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Protecting your hair from the harsh winter elements can be tricky at best, but we’ve got you covered. Think of us like cuddly pals who are strangely obsessed with keeping your hair flawless in winter. 

From static frizz to brittle split ends, there are all kinds of reasons why Christmas season wreaks havoc on hair. 

Hat-head aftermath and cashmere-caused static are two major culprits, but applying heat to your locks from blow-drying wet hair also leads to trouble in hair paradise.

"How do I go from Coldilocks to Snow Queen this Christmas?", we hear you ask. 

Introducing our cheat sheet for your winter hair:

1. DON’T leave your house with wet hair, this is a one way trip to Flu Land. Wet hair can also break easily if it’s frozen from the drop in temperature, just don’t do it gals.

2. Try to keep a balanced temperature in your home so you don’t have massive shocks when you leave the house or come in from work: this can irritate both your skin and scalp.

3. Turn the hot water in your shower down just a tad, your hair will thank you later.

In the winter, we all crave scalding hot showers to allow our bodies to regulate its temperature after spending all day in the cold, but hot water isn’t good for your hair, it actually dehydrates it.

By keeping it just above lukewarm, you’ll prevent having dry skin and scalp. Keep the moisture in your mane, huns.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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To prevent those precious oils from escaping, we recommend Argan oil products. Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil has ingredients like buckthorn oil and pumpkin seed oil, which are both rich in fatty acids for retaining moisture.

4. Coconut oil is also renowned for treating dry and brittle hair in winter. Use 100% organic coconut oil from your local health foods shop and spot the difference in time for Santa to make it down the chimney.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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5. John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-Day Treatment targets deflated hair fibres—plumping them up for days, some say it even lasts a week. John Frieda, you Christmas angel.

6. Use heat protection before blow drying your hair, try Tresemmé Keratin Smooth 7 Day System Heat Activated Treatment. It’s heat-activated, which means the substance is offering a semi-permanent solution to that crown of stray hairs. MAGICAL.

7. OUR TOP TIP: We are absolutely WORSHIPPING Santa’s little hairdryer right now: LanaiBLO.

Keep your hair dry and bouncy with volume by using the Limited Edition Rose Gold LanaiBLO.

Let it snow then let it blow, we say. They promise to keep your hair shimmering and shiny with an ultra sleek finish, it’s also an ideal gift for your loved ones if you’re stuck for a present.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lanai Official (@lanaiofficial) on

However, this hairdryer is so gorge that you’ll most likely want to keep it all to yourself… we know we do.

It’s lightweight, has an ultra long cord so you can dry your hair without having to linger near the plug socket and comes in three colours; pretty-in-pink, snow white and midnight black.

It’s technology works to seal in moisture and counteract frizz, leaving those locks more stylish than ever for all those Christmas parties and celebrations.

Those of us who still have a 90's heavyweight hairdryer will know the struggle of trying to dry your hair with the equivalent of a minor breeze. *sigh*

Holly Willoughby, Dani Dyer, Made in Chelsea’s Binky and Rosie, Frankie Gaff, Una Healy, models Rosanna Davidson and Lottie Moss are among LanaiBlo's famous clients, and for a good reason.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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8. Join the micellar water trend, ASAP. It's not just for skincare, the substance is now being used to revitalise limp hair.

Herbal Essences have just released their renew Micellar Water & Blue Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner, which contain special antioxidants for removing dirt and oil from the hair's surface.

Free from silicones, gluten, colourants and parabens, it purely works to refresh hair with gently cleansing micelles for bringing your hair back to life. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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There you are ladies, use this cheat sheet to defy the elements this winter and you'll have the best hair in the North Pole. Guaranteed. 

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Your bestie is tying the knot and has asked you to be maid of honour.

First of all, congratulations. It's a major deal and it means they cherish your friendship very much.

However, with the title comes a lot of responsibility, and if you feel like you haven't a notion where to begin, this list will guide you along the way.

From the moment she's engaged, to the Big Day, this is what will be expected of you in the run up to the wedding.

The Planning

The bride will no doubt have a million things on her mind, so your maid of honour duties will start by helping her in the planning process.

Make lists of everything you'll need for the day (and day after, etc), and start to wrangle up the other bridesmaids to make sure they're on board with everything.

You're basically in charge of the bridal party, and you can ease the bride's mind by setting up dates to go dress shopping and making sure all of her bridesmaids are available for fittings, make-up consultations and everything in between.

Also, be prepared to be a consultant for the next few months. There's no doubt your bestie will have a ton of ideas, so be prepared to consult on everything from colour schemes to food.

Image result for wedding planning

The Hen

Even though it's the bride's hen party, Hitched.ie notes that this is really your moment to shine.

You will take the lead on planning the hen party, but make sure to include the other bridemaid's ideas too. And obviously, consult with the bride. There's no point planning a huge overnight trip if all the bride wants is a day in the local spa.

Once everyone is settled on the type of party they want, then it's time to really start grinding. You'll need to make sure everyone has the date secured and be aware of everyone's budget.

And don't be afraid to delegate. Someone can confirm dinner, another can create party games, and someone else can organise the draaanks.

The Run Up

As the Big Day approaches, it's your job to make sure the bridesmaids are all certain of the dates, times and arrangements (final dress fitting, make-up, etc).

You also need to think of any useful things to have on hand on the day such as umbrellas, plasters, small cans of hairspray and deodorant (yes, it'll be your job to carry these around in case the bride gets too sweaty or her feet start to hurt – the joys!).

If anything has been hired for the reception, ask the bride and groom if you can pick them up as we're sure the bride will be running around like a headless chicken the day before.

The Big Day

As hithced.ie explains, you will need to be on TOP form on the day of the wedding. You will need to make sure everything runs smoothly the morning of (make-up artist turns up, the flowers are on time, everyone is present) and before the ceremony.

The bride will no doubt ask you to help her get ready too. Don't dare touch the dress without washing your hands first! You should also have a good breakfast that morning, because believe us, with all the running around you're going to do, you're going to be hungry before the ceremony even ends.

When you arrive at the church, make sure the bride is picture perfect before she walks down the aisle. Her make-up, hair and veil are all perfectly intact. Don't forget that during the ceremony you will need to hold the bride's bouquet, so have your hands free.

As the day goes on, just look out for small things. Your BFF basically needs to be camera-ready all day, so fix lipstick smudges and mascara stains (because let's be real, there will probably be tears).

And last but not least, have fun! You have been waiting for this day just as much as the bride, so take it all in and have an absolute ball.

Image result for maid of honour

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As temperatures rise in Ireland this week, the ISPCA is sharing some tips and advice to help keep your pets safe during the hot weather.

ISPCA Public Relations Manager Carmel Murray id, ''We all love the summer sunshine but please plan in advance if you are bringing your pet anywhere with you in hot weather ensuring they won’t be left in a hot car for any length of time.

We want to protect our pets especially in warm weather – so follow these rules and keep them safe.

1. Avoid walking your dog during intense heat, early morning or evening walks is always best when it’s cooler. 

2. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. 

3. Always have fresh cool water available and access to shade from the sun.

Walk when cooler (1)

Carmel said, ''If your pet is showing signs of severe overheating, move them to a cooler area immediately, spray with cool (not cold) water, and give a small drink of water and contact your vet.''

She continued, ''It is important to know the signs of overheating such as increased heart rate with excessive panting and drooling, drowsy or out of sorts, vomiting or diarrhoea”.

Don't leave dogs in hot cars. 

5. It is important to always have fresh water available for your pet; refresh and refill more often than on a normal day and leave extra if you are going out. 

Summer Pet Hazards (1)

6. Make sure they have access to shade and keep them indoors in cooler rooms when the heat becomes too extreme.

7. All caged animals, even if they are indoors, should be kept out of direct sunlight.

8. Keep an eye on aviaries or birdcages, which are near to a window.

9. Remember household chemicals and common summer foods can be toxic to pets. If using sunscreen or insect repellent, please ensure the product is labelled as safe for use on pets.

10. If you are unsure about certain products consult your vet. Alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, chocolate, coconut, grapes or raisins, onions, raw meat or excessively salty foods or foods containing the sweetener xylitol can be toxic or cause serious health issues for your pet. 

11. Keep them away from your pet during summer barbecues.

12. If you do witness an animal locked in a car on a hot day, try to establish how long the dog has been left in the car first, look for a pay and display a ticket on the dashboard. 

13. If the pet is showing signs of distress and overheating contact the local Garda station immediately or dial 999 /112 in an emergency and call our National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515.

Enjoy this bit of nice weather and just ask sure to keep on eye on your pets – you want them to enjoy it too. 

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Irish brand Waxperts has been making waves in the beauty world in recent years and are rapidly becoming one of the most popular waxing brands across Europe.

Waxperts was established in 2008 when owner Ellen Kavanagh Jones along with friend and business partner Trish O’Brien began the journey of creating their own wax, the only of its kind in the world.

And since then, it’s been our haven for getting a wax – something before Waxperts, that we dreaded.

So first off, lets talk about what waxing actually is.

It is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root.

Waxing not only removes hair, it also exfoliates the skin – double win!

Waxing also lasts much longer as shaving only removes the visible hair on the surface of the skin whereas waxing removes hair from the root allowing two- six weeks (depending on the individual person) for hair to grow back.

As waxing removes hair from the root, this in turn weakens the hair follicles, and therefore overtime hair will grow back thinner.

And leaves us with silky smooth pins.

The Waxperts Original Hot Wax is fab – it was formulated for sensitive skin types to achieve a smooth, pain free, easy wax with little to no redness afterwards.

Waxperts Wax was formulated to be applied thinly, so it would then glide off during removal and leave no sticky residue behind.

Waxperts has a unique waxing technique to make waxing easy for therapists, and as comfortable and pain free as possible, almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face and bikini area.

It’s pretty much the wax of dreams tbh.

When it comes to waxing, there are so many myths that we all kinda believe – but Ellen is here to set us straight.

MYTH: “Waxing is super painful”

Not with Waxperts Wax! Obviously pulling hair out from the root is going to be a little bit uncomfortable whether you are waxing, plucking, epilating, sugaring or threading.

With Waxperts Wax, we use lower temperature waxes with a range of pre and post oils to protect and soothe skin to make any wax treatment super comfortable.

Sounds perf to us.

MYTH: “I can’t get waxed on my period”

This is untrue. (Phew!)

Of course, you can get waxed on your period, just make sure you have a fresh tampon in.

However, some people may be a little more sensitive during this time of the month.

MYTH: “I need to trim before a wax”

No, you should never trim before getting waxed.

For waxing to be most effective, the hair would need to be a least a grain of rice.

We always say the hairier the better! Leave it up to your wax therapist to make the decision on trimming.

And with that, we’re off for a wax.

Find your nearest Waxperts salon at www.waxperts.ie

@Waxperts
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When it comes to marriage advice, we're pretty sceptical. It nearly always comes across as patronising, annoying, or just plain sexist. Men don't get the constant stream of wedding and baby pressure that women do.

There's no shortage of dating advice online and in magazines, even in books like He's Just Not That Into You.

It's time to turn to better sources for comfort, and ones from back in time. The Suffragette's seem like a good place to start… They fought for the right to vote and now we want the right NOT to devote.

Seeing as it's Valentine's Day, it would be rude of us not to share this HILARIOUS piece of advice from a "suffragette wife" which went viral, acccording to Stylist.

The advice was first penned in 1911, and it's still hella relevant today. Entitled 'Advice on Marriage to Young Ladies', the gal holds nothing back and takes zero prisoners.

The first tip? "Do not marry at all." She's starting us off with a big one, that's for sure.

Continuing, the woman writes about the types of men to avoid. Think modern day f*ckboys. She refers to them as, “the Beauty Men, Flirts, and the Bounders, Tailor’s Dummies, and the Football Enthusiasts”.

When it comes to decent marriage prospects, choose a "strong, tame man" who is involved in practical professions, such as a "Fire-lighter, Coal-getter, Window Cleaner and Yard Swiller”. We haven't a notion what a yard swiller is, but it sounds chic.

The suffragette also tells us that the standard of men is dastardly low; most are “lazy, selfish, thoughtless, lying, drunken, clumsy, heavy-footed, rough, unmanly brutes, and need taming”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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How do you tame a man back in 1911, and today? The answer is pretty obvious: food. "Feed the brute," in her words. LOL. 

Her final tip recalls her first; you'd "be wiser not to chance" marriage, because it "isn't worth the risk." The post was shared last year as well and also went viral, so it seems that modern day women can still relate to the tip sheet.

It's over 100 years old, but still resonates with today's audience. Interesting, does that mean men haven't progressed at all, or we're still stuck in 1911? We can't tell…

Feature image: The Guardian

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It is winter – there is no escaping that now that we're into November. 

And while that means good news like cosy jumpers and mugs of hot choc, it also means slightly shittier news for people with dry skin.

It is the bane of our lives when the temperatures dip and our sensitive skin is exposed to the rain, hail and sleet etc. that an Irish winter comprises of. 

So what can you do to help yourself?  

Read on to gain some tips and tricks to treat flaky skin as the weather changes – you're welcome in advance.  

First things first, there are a few miracle products that will help your skin to survive the colder months – people with dehydrated skin, meet your new BFF in Derm Acte moisturising serum. 

This refreshing serum moisturises even the most parched skin. Slap it on in the morning and/or evening, on cleansed skin. It's priced at 69 quid but worth every cent 

Is your skin irritated by various aggressions like the freezing cold Irish weather? Then you gotta try Derm Acte moisturising cream. It helps restore the hydrolipidic film, ensures efficient and long-lasting hydration. 

Who doesn't love an intense hydration mask? Yonka Masque Intense Hydration repairing is a gel-cream mask that provides immediate, time-released, deep hydration: +54% after 1 hour and +96% after 8 hours It is ideal for sensitive or super irritated skin, whether dry or oily.

Also by the same fab brand is a phyto-aromatic healing water – Yonka Dry Skin Toner. It's more than just a toner though, it is a healing mist that refreshes, tones and sanitises the skin. Amaaaazinng. 

There are so any ways to protect your skin against the elements of winter – even things like prepping your home. Think of it like this – the drier the air, the drier your skin.

So why not invest in a humidifier to increase the moisture level in the air? 

Also, don't forget to buff your skin because dry skin won't f*ck off without some exfoliation first – and it means that the moisturisers and serums will work better then.

And last but not least, your diet will always contribute to the state that your skin is in. Walnuts, olive oil and avocados are all unreal for your skin whereas booze and caffeine are not so much.

And dry skin sufferers do drink TONS of water and good luck – it'll be spring before you know it. 

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There are few things more dread-inducing than the prospect of staring down a packed tube platform full of stressed out and aggressive commuters at eight in the morning or, even worse, getting gridlocked in that notorious London traffic.

The intense crowds, frequent breakdowns and that wonderful quirk of the Tube wherein it has zero air conditioning or ventilation can make your morning commute feel like a battle march.

Not to worry, though; with a few simple steps you'll soon be bossing that commute like a pro and the stress will soon feel like a distant memory.

Here's how to survive London in rush hour.

Source: Pixaby

Know the Rules of the Game

Anyone who has been in London for more than five seconds will know that there is a Byzantine etiquette system comprising of dozens of rules that must be followed in order to avoid the ire of your fellow passengers.

Most of these rules are honestly just a combination of noise, urban myths and personal preferences, so definitely don't spend too much time getting worked up over whether your platform posture in on point.

As long as you know the few simple essentials, your trip will go more smoothly.

These are; keep your Oyster card ready and in-hand the second you enter the station, stick to the right on the escalators, don't talk loudly and, most importantly, never make eye contact with your fellow commuters.

Come Prepared with Distractions

Chances are you'll be dealing with the same commute every day, to the point where you could travel the whole route with your eyes closed.

This kind of commuter autopilot is common, with the positive side being that you should be able to zone out and immerse yourself in less stressful activities during your journey – just remember to keep your wits about you on station platforms and road crossings!

A good online game is always the ideal way to get through the journey, ideally something engaging like a puzzle game or online escapade.

For example, there are now lots of roulette games online, from European to American, that you'll be able to play at any point during your commute when you need to zone out, thanks to that sweet and brand new Tube WiFi.

Your commute is also valuable time in your day that you can use to catch up on things you've been neglecting.

So, read that novel that has been gathering dust, finish that podcast, or simply burn through your emails.

Source: Pixaby

Mix It Up

A morning commute doesn't have to be something to just get through, to be banished to the annals of memory and not thought about until 5 pm. You can actually enjoy it. The best way to do this is by occasionally mixing things up.

Explore your city by walking part of the journey, which might involve having to get out of bed a few minutes earlier but is definitely worthwhile in such a beautiful and varied city as London.

Even just going via a different bus route might feel like a refreshing and pleasant surprise, as seeing your city as new again will remind you why you moved here in the first place.

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There are few things in life more frustrating than waking up after heavy night only to realise that your brand new suede shoes have been scuffed beyond recognition. 

It's a sure-fire way to put a damper on an otherwise great night, but thanks to one clever Twitter user, we'll never have to mourn a pair of killer heels ever again. 

Kiera O'Hagan shared her genius tip after realising that an everyday product worked wonders at removing stains from her nude sandals – and it's very likely to be sitting in your bathroom cupboard. 

“Micellar water has just took [sic] all the stains out my suede heels. Everyone needs to try this,” she wrote. 

Genius! 

And it's not just for heels. Apparently the brilliant trick works on suede runners too. 

May users have thanked Kiera for sharing the 'life-saving' tip, with one even crediting the hack with saving a pair of heels she was about to throw out. 

We'll definitely be trying this!

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For those of us without a gym membership, staying in shape during the winter months can seem like a daunting task. 

As evenings get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, it often becomes harder and harder to find the motivation to get stay active – but it is possible. 

No fancy equipment, no extra costs – all that's required is a little determination and creativity. 

Here's some tips on how to keep your exercise routine in check all winter long. 

Get into the right frame of mind 

The cold never stopped any professional athlete from achieving their dreams and it's not going to stop you either. 

Sure, curling up in front of a warm cosy fire is nice, but just think about how much better it will be after a quick sweat session. 

Wrap up well

When it comes to winter work-outs, preparation is key – and if you're serious about keeping up a steady routine, it might be time to invest in some decent outerwear. 

Padded jackets, running gloves and thermal leggings will make those cold evenings much more bearable – and let's face it, they'll probably come in handy even when you're not exercising. 

Oh, and don't forget the high-vis jacket!  

Prepare with an extra long warm up 

While a proper warm up is an essential part of any work out routine, it is especially important during the winter months.

Consider doing a few stretches/ light exercises indoors to prepare for the harsh conditions that await you outside.

Your body will thank you for it!  

Keep it short 

Let's face it. Winter isn't exactly the most relaxed time of year, and finding the time to exercise daily can seem impossible at times. 

But just remember that you don't have to set aside long periods of time for one big work out. 

Instead, try to stagger your activities throughout the day.

A 10 minutes walk at lunch, a quick hula hoop session before dinner, and a short jog in the evening time – it all adds up. 

Recruit a workout buddy

Bonus points if they're a fitness fanatic. 

You'll be more inclined to stick to a routine if you've got someone to share (and complain about) it with. 

No doubt you'll end up falling out once or twice, but hey, there's nothing a like a good friend to give you motivation when you need it the most. 

Mix it up 

If the thoughts of running on the slippy wet ground fills you with overwhelming dread, there are plenty of activities you can try instead. 

Bring it back to basics and make use of any green spaces you may have available to you, treat your dog to the ultimate game of fetch or even grab a racket and head down to your local tennis court. 

Now is the time to try something different – and as long as you're moving, that's all that really matters. 

 

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When it comes to wedding day preparation, there's no denying that certain things tend to take centre-stage in any discussion surrounding the run-up to a woman's big day; dress, venue, honeymoon.

But these elements are, as most of us know, only scratching the surface.

While the gown, the destination and the post-nuptial holiday are certainly heavy-hitters, most brides-to-be will assert that some of their biggest concerns in the lead-up to their big day are their health, vitality, wellbeing and appearance.

With the sheer amount of time and effort that goes into organising a wedding, it's no surprise that many women begin to feel the strain, and subsequently worry that their efforts will take their toll physically.

And that, ladies, is where Jennifer Rock – AKA The Skin Nerd –  comes in.

Every bride dreams of having glowing, flawless skin on their big day, and Jennifer is on hand with top tips for achieving  bright, radiant, iridescent, dewy and luminous bridal skin.

1. Prep is key

While considering the dress of your dreams, psyche yourself up for the skin regime at the same time.

Many wait until six weeks prior to their wedding and it may not be enough time to tackle any true concerns, so seek a consult as soon as the engagement party is over! 

2. Take your vitamins

Planning a wedding can be extremely stressful – a wonderfully exciting time no doubt, but still a busy time so be sure to up the multi vitamin intake, horse vitamin C into you.

Take 1,000mg daily to ward off colds while also strengthening capillary walls – bearing in mind red is the first colour to be seen on camera! I’d also recommend taking lysine to prevent cold sores!

3. Plump your skin

Hyaluronic is ideal to pump moisture into the skin and act as an added bonus to the two litre of water intake!

It can be added to any serum, booster or moisturiser to soften fine lines and wrinkles – a touch into a body cream is also recommended for smooth hydrated skin. This will assist in getting that flawless false tan application!

4. School yourself on fatty acids

Take omegas internally ie essential fatty acids in the form of supplements or oily fish.

These will have your body both wedding and honeymoon ready – helping to keep it soft with less inflammation and stress breakouts.

5. Treat yourself

Environ Hydra Boost is ideal to give the bridal glow, IPL and Neostrata Peel 3 months prior, needling 6 months prior do NOT try anything new the month of the wedding unless advised by a facialist.

 

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Turning 30 is a pretty big milestone in anyone’s language.

It’s a birthday which suggests you need to leave the hedonistic days of your twenties behind you, and gird yourself for a life of drudgery.

Most 30-year-olds would, however, insist that little has changed since they entered their third decade, and they’re the people Emma Doran has a bone to pick with.

The comedian has taken it upon herself to impart some words of wisdom to anyone born in 1987 or before, and we’ll be honest, it struck a chord.

Not only are certain 30-year-olds we know guilty of using terms like ‘bae’ and ‘yolo’, even more refuse to leave the Oz dream behind, and still hark back to their glory days Down Under.

If you’re 30 or over and of a sensitive disposition, it’s worth noting that these words might sting a little…

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Blogger Conf 2017 kicked off today, and a whole host of bloggers and industry insiders joined forces to discuss the ins and outs of building your brand.

Eimear Varian-Barry was on the impressive agenda to discuss her success on Instagram, and how she has carved out her own stand-out space on the photo sharing site. 

According to the veteran Instagrammer, there is a place on social media for everyone, and there are a few simple ways to make the most of your feed.

  • Be real

According to Eimear, people are over highly edited, curated content, and now want a more authentic experience. 

Her advice is to never edit your face, and be mindful of using obvious filters or editing techniques, although teeth whitening is the exception. 

  • Theme

Eimear admits to being very picky about her theme on her Instagram page, which has ony added to her success.

The mum takes ages to choose the right photo to upload to her feed, and always tries to use photos shot in natural light for consistency, which is key. 

  • Hashtags

Hashtags can be an amazing way to up your likes and follows if you choose them wisely.

Hashtags that are relevant to the post can massively drive engagement, so do some research about your niche and apply tags that work for that niche. 

  • Timing

According to Eimear, the new Instagram algorithm is a 'total mind feck' for bloggers and influencers, so getting the timing of a post right is essential.

Eimear advises 9pm as the best time for people to be checking their Insta feeds to potentially like your post.

We'll be spending the evening adjusting our Instas… 

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