Latest news with #NiamhKirk
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
'One simple beauty swap has transformed my make-up and it's so affordable'
After discovering brown mascara, Mirror writer Niamh Kirk gave her verdict on the Sculpted by Aimee LashLift brown mascara - and says it's completely changed her daily routine I have probably had the same makeup routine for a decade - so trying new things has always been a scary thought. But as I get older, and my face changes, I have been a little more open to new products and when I find something that earns a permament spot in my makeup bag, I won't stop raving about it. I admit, I do stick to what I know, especially when it comes to mascara. I have always opted for classic black and finding a good one is no mean feat. However since discovering a new brown mascara, it's totally transformed my whole makeup look. I think brown mascara has always been a no-go zone for me, as my lashes are already very dark, so it seemed like the obvious choice to stick to black. But when I came across the Sculpted By Aimee LashLift brown mascara my opinion changed. As soon as I applied it, it completely softened my features, I have very, very dark thick eyebrows, so I noticed how much of a difference the brown made. Don't get me wrong, it toned down my makeup, but I think for a day-to-day look it's better as it's a lot more natural. I used to want really dark, thick lashes, heavy eyeshadow and eyeliner - I admit, looking back it perhaps wasn't my best look, but we all have those eras of makeup we choose to just pretend didn't happen. So as I've got older, I've swayed more for a natural look and I am really enjoying more of a natural look. My eyebrows have even followed suit. As much I loved 2016 eye makeup with heavy eyeshadow, thick eyebrows and false eyelashes. I have really toned down my eyes, including hardly filling in my eyebrows - and I feel like the brown mascara is the newest change I have made in a mission to strip back my daily makeup look. I am also very fussy when it comes to mascara as can be prone to having black undereyes after a few hours, so for me it's important a good mascara won't budge - and I didn't notice this happening with the Sculpted by Aimee LashLift one. It lifted my lashes after a few coats thanks to the wand's multi-level bristle technology, designed to apply the product from the root to the tip of your lashes, with the nourishing, weightless formula to separate and coat each lash. Formulated with lightweight polymers, and minimal waxes, the bristles glide effortlessly through lashes, preventing any clumping, and delivering a lifting effect. And it's not just me that has been raving about it, with shoppers rating it an impressive 4.4 out of 5 as one person said: "Love this product, the colour is amazing, I'm never a brown mascara girl but you have converted me!! It's fab and what it does, is in the name!" While another said: "It's really beautiful one that gives lash lift, deep black eyelashes and holds well for the whole day but it goes flaky on me and that's a big downside." A similar mascara is the Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara Brown currently on offer for (£22.40) Providing up to 24 hours of visible lift, volume and length, the formula offers one-swipe saturation while fanning out every last lash - while creating a soft look on the eyes. Alternatively, a cheaper option is the Revolution Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara (£10.99) that contains the revolutionary tubing technology. It is made with a nourishing formula of Shea Butter, Carnauba Wax And Castor Oil to care while you wear.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tried the viral espresso lemonade - there's only three words to describe it'
Dubbed the drink of the summer, espresso lemonade's are making waves on TikTok, so Mirror writer Niamh Kirk decided to try it out and see if it's better than an iced latte When life gives you a coffee. Said pretty much no one ever until people started raving about espresso lemonades on TikTok. The unlikely pairing has gained a huge following on social media, with people claiming it's the most "refreshing drink of the summer". While I usually opt for just a regular iced latte, sometimes with a shot of vanilla if I'm feeling fancy, I really didn't think an iced coffee needed a switch up. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go. I opted for a single espresso shot from Starbucks, and a bottle of their 'refreshing lemonade' for the summery concoction. This drink isn't available on the Starbucks menu, so if you fancy giving it a go - you'll need to get creative. Once I poured the espresso and lemonade in the cup over ice, it looked similar to an iced cold brew. Let me tell you, that's as far as the comparison goes. From the first sip, the lemonade was very overpowering and sour which meant I couldn't quite taste the coffee. I think the lemonade is very bitter anyway so it was to be expected. The tangy lemonade cuts through the bitterness of the espresso, which is why they weirdly work together. I know you may be side eyeing me but I promise, it's better than you think. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. The coffee came in the aftertaste, and it was actually very surprising. It's definitely a thirst-quencher and the only way I can describe it is that it's not that bad. I can't say I would be switching it for my regular iced latte any time soon, but I can see why some people may like it. Don't get me wrong, if I was laid out on a sun lounger on holiday in the sun I could definitely get on board with one. For now, as I'm sat at my desk, I don't think it's for me. If you want to give it a go - this is what you'll need: Fill a glass with lots of ice Pour 3/4 of your favourite lemonade - it's recommended to get a still one, but if you fancy a bit of fizz... who's to judge. Add your espresso - either a single our double, depending on how much of a caffeine kick you need. Do you have a story to share? Email Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tried Popeyes 'phenomenal' hot honey burger - it's the best I've ever eaten'
Popeyes have brought back one of their most in demand flavours to their menu - the Hot Honey range. Mirror writer Niamh Kirk finally managed to get her hands on one and try it out Hot honey is the flavour of the moment - so it's about time Popeyes brought back their iconic menu items. Since the Louisiana fried chicken chain first came to the UK in 2021, it's amassed fans all over the country thanks to it's crunchy fried chicken, iconic burgers and Cajun topped fries. When the Hot Honey range was introduced last year, it sent fans into a frenzy with the sweet but spicy sauce generously slathered all over the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and the Hot Honey Saucin' Wings - making it one of the most successful launches ever, only to be taken away again three months later. Dubbed "better than McDonald's" by fans, who called it "phenomenal", it's now back, and with a brand new menu item too. After missing out on it last year, I knew it was finally my time. The classic OG Popeyes chicken burger managed to convert me to a Popeyes fan, so I was wondering how the Hot Honey would compare. 'I made my own Strawberry matcha for breakfast - you should know this before you try' I couldn't wait to tuck into the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, and not to sound dramatic, but it might just be the best chicken burger I've ever eaten. The Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich (£6.99) promises the chain's shatter crunch chicken breast in a brioche bun with a healthy drizzle of hot honey sauce and it's topped with smoked cheese and pickles. What's not to love? The Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich is joined by the brand-new Hot Honey Saucin' Boneless, the return of Hot Honey Saucin' Wings, and the Hot Honey Box Meal to complete the full Hot Honey range. First things first, it's very, very messy and because it's honey, it's also very sticky too - so you may need a napkin, a wet wipe or some hand wash close by just to warn you. The burger is a hefty one, and it's clear they didn't scrimp on the sauce as it was oozing out of my burger when I had unwrapped it. Would you try the Hot Honey chicken burger? Let us know in the comments. Aside from the messiness, the sauce was very, very sweet, but it also had quite a kick to it living up to it's name of 'hot' honey. I think the sweetness was a little overpowering, but the crunchy chicken helped combine the flavours - it was definitely not dry. I can see why this burger was brought back by popular demand, it is definitely something a little different from a regular chicken burger. The iconic Popeyes crunchy chicken was delicious, and the chicken breast was a very generous size, while the added pickles were a nice touch - without having the faff of too much salad. I really enjoyed this burger, although it was very sweet, I thought it was nice to opt for something a little different to switch up my lunchtime meal. I don't know if it is better than the original Popeyes classic burger, but it's definitely up there. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Dave Hoskins, head of food at Popeyes UK confirmed the range is returning due to an unprecedented demand. "Hot Honey is by far one of our best-selling flavours, as well as a viral trend that shows no signs of letting up. Our sweet, fiery sandwich pairs sticky honey with our signature Shatter Crunch texture for a mouth-watering experience that fans have been begging us to bring back. "We couldn't ignore the unprecedented calls from customers, and got right to work creating a bigger and better range filled with an explosion of the fiery stickin' sweet flavours, to satisfy that huge demand from our fried chicken cravers." It's not been confirmed how long exactly the new items will be on the menu for, but they are once again all limited-edition, so they won't be sticking around forever. Available in stores now. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
