LoubouLush's Beauty Blog

Ciaté Mini Mani Advent Calendar from TK Maxx 2014

2014-11-18T14:05:00.000+00:00

There seems to have been some chatter about the TK Maxx deal offering the Ciate Mini Mani Advent calendars at £19.99 this year. They seem to have sold out online but were still readily available in my local shops in Northern Ireland. There were a choice of the blue pattered version, red patterned and plain red version. After much deliberating over the colours and accessories as shown on the back I went with the blue which I think may have been their 2013 Advent Calendar. I have added some photos below to show what it looks like inside and to reveal the secret nail polish which I assume is the same in all of the blue patterned versions. I really wanted to know what it was before I bought it but overall I'm pleased enough with what it turned out to be.

The mystery secret full size paint pot is a pink glitter shade, "Serendipity", below:

There is a good selection of shades and finishes, some really pretty looking colours and some of them will be used by me more than others but I can't say there's any I wouldn't use at all. As expected for something festive, glitter and shimmer features heavily. I really like the quality of Ciate nail paints so think it's a fab wee present for anyone who likes to paint their nails different styles and colours - it isn't for someone who likes to keep things neutral.

Overall, I think it's great for £19.99 but wouldn't want to pay the £50.00 RRP.

LoubouLush x

A/W Coat and Boots

2014-11-08T16:46:00.001+00:00

I know it's been a while but thought I'd do an outfit of the day post. It's not often I'm wearing clothes that are still available to buy!

This year I fancied getting some winter boots. I'd bought some flat ankle boots from Next last year and had worn them almost to death. This year I was lusting after some knee length ones and settled on the long sludge boots from Next. Now I'm always nervous about trying on such boots in a shop for the fear they won't zip up but these were fine. The boots are available in regular fit and wide and after much deliberation I felt the wide were more comfortable on. I didn't find much difference in the regular and wide fit to be honest so I'm not sure how generous the "wide" sizing really is. I was torn on the colour and while the tan are lovely, I felt I'd get more wear from the black. I struggled to find them in store but got them online... eventually.

I decided this year that I wouldn't buy a winter coat. I have a lot of them already. A lot, a lot. However, last winter I was pregnant/just after having a baby and about 3 stone larger than normal so I didn't buy one then and thus the temptation to treat myself this year was nipping at me. I spotted a super soft and chic pinky nude one while browsing around M&S and for £59 and armed with a 20% off voucher I decided I HAD to have it. I'm so pleased I did, I've found it great for a with jeans and boots look and for work. I am a bit nervous about how well it will cope with stains etc so if you have any reassuring stories for me, please share.

Marks and Spencer M&S Notch Neck Zipped Coat in Light Putty for £59. NEXT Zip Long Sludge Boots in Black for £85.

I still love my H&M faux fur stole from a few winters ago and think it looks pretty cute with the coat too.

Excuse the silly faces. It's not easy getting your photo taken randomly beside an unusually busy road between rain showers.

LoubouLush x

Wow what a year!

2014-10-20T21:40:00.001+01:00

It's been a while! Sorry I've been incredibly lax with this whole blogging thing. If you've been following me on Twitter @louboulush you will know I had a wonderful little boy just over a year ago. We celebrated his 1st Birthday at the weekend and I've attached some photos of the cake I baked... I'm very proud of myself, even if it took me AGES to do!

More photos of him and many other things (usually food related) can also be found on my Twitter and Instagram so feel free to find me there.

In the meantime, I hope you stick with me here and I will post here more often.

H&M Secret Peona Solid Perfume

2013-06-18T14:08:00.002+01:00

Hello Strangers! I thought I'd do a quick post of a random purchase I made yesterday. I LOVE H&M for summer clothes and was browsing in there yesterday when this little solid perfume stick caught my eye. I'm not usually one for wearing fragrance. I'm fussy with what I like and not in the habit of wearing perfume often but sniffed this little perfume and thought it would be perfect for my handbag/hand luggage. It's got a light odour, is a super handy size and a great price at £2.99. Boom!

Now I'm no expert in what the scents therein are but if you're near a H&M I urge you to pop it and give this a wee smell and see what you think. Let me know!

LoubouLush x

NOTD - NYC Expert Lasting Nail Polish "Mint Macaroon"

2013-04-07T08:07:00.001+01:00

I was having a rare mooch around Superdrug on Friday and as it's been so long since I've felt even remotely interested in doing that that I got a bit overwhelmed and didn't know what to buy. Pay day isn't until next week due to the bank holiday so I could go too mad. I resisted the temptation to try Revlon Colorstay Foundation (on 3 for 2 at the minute - what else would I buy as my other 2 to get good value?!) and decided to go cheap cheap.

I decided on some summery nail colours and noticed the NYC range were 2 for £2.99 or £1.99 each, so either way not quite going to break the bank.

I bought two including this Mint Macaroon and must say so far, so very good. It's a vintage kind of mint green shade that I think would look especially pretty with a tan. Overall it's a cute summer shade with good coverage after two coats and wearing very nicely under a Seche Vite topcoat thank you very much.

Bargain, non?

Now, any other cheap summer shades I need to get my mitts on?

Louboulush x

Where have I been?

2013-03-25T14:16:00.000+00:00

I've sort of been hiding.

Not sure if anyone has noticed but if you follow me on Twitter you might have noticed I'm a little grumpier than normal. I've had a few weeks of feeling pretty rough - nauseas, exhausted, hungry, irritable, achy - I've been a real joy to live with! As a result I've lost interest in lots of things I usually enjoy but I'm hoping I'll feel better soon and be back a bit more regularly.

In better news all this sickness gubbins should have something good at the end of it as me and Mr Louboulush are expecting our first baby! We haven't had our first scan yet due to delays but apparently all my symptoms are good reassurance that everything is going along as it should. I've put on about half a stone already so it's getting less easy to hide in real life too so lots of people know already and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the scans will be just fine.

In the meantime if anyone has any miracle cures for the nausea, that'd be wonderful...

LoubouLush x

An Every Day FOTD

2013-01-08T13:22:00.002+00:00

It's 2013 and it's been a while since my exposed my face here so excuse any wrinkles I have got since last time. This isn't very glam I know especially after the holidays but we can't be all glitter and smoky eyed all the time!

Now I know I haven't done anything with my eyebrows or with my cheeks but tbh on a day to day basis I don't. In fact there are many days where I don't wear any make up or just a sweep of eye liner.

L-R Real Techniques "Buffing Brush", Rimmel "Stay Matte Foundation" (Ivory 100), Estee Lauder "Pure Color Eyeshadow" (the two browns - 63 Tempting Mocha and 07 Smoky Ember), Estee Lauder eyeshadow brush, NYC "Big Bold Mascara", Avon "Kajal Stick" in Black, MUA "Pressed Powder" in shades 01 for t-zone and 04 for contouring

I really like each one of these products. One of my resolutions this year is to use ALL my make up and toiletries and stop keeping things "for good" so I am using a mixture of all sorts of brands and products at the minute in a bid to de-clutter and just make better use of things so I expect to be making more of an effort each day with how I look. I expect this to last until next ~~January~~ week.

Do you wear make up every day? What's your routine?

LoubouLush x

Where have I been?

2013-01-03T13:42:00.002+00:00

Sorry I've been a bit AWOL again. I was in New York for a week before Christmas so thought I'd share some of what I got up to. I've added SOME snaps below. Some of them have been on my Instagram and Twitter (@louboulush) but some haven't. I've had a few busy weeks of trying to get my life in order and am back on the weight loss wagon from tomorrow I hope. I'll have more updates soon and post on the Sephora haul from NYC.

We stumbled upon Santacon...

Saw Justin Timberlake in Starbucks...

Ate in Katz's Deli...

Went to Grand Central Station a lot...

Had festive drinks in Campbell Apartment...

Shopped and shopped...

Had afternoon tea and champagne at the Plaza...

Went to Times Square...

Walked A LOT...

Ate in Little Owl in the Friends apartment building...

Walked through Central Park...

Walked across Brooklyn Bridge...

Had some brunch (this one in Penelope's)...

Visited the Christmas window displays...

View from our hotel roof...

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Now let's rock 2013!

LoubouLush x

Festive NOTD MUA Constellations & Maybelline MNY

2012-12-10T21:11:00.000+00:00

I received these gorgeous nail polishes as part of a very lovely Secret Santa gift. I got the MUA Constellations in Scorpio and Maybelline MNY nail varnish in 553. I have never used the Ciate Xaviar or any dupe so was really excited to try this and the MNY polish too as I hadn't tried that range either and this is SUCH a pretty colour. The nails painted with MNY only have a Seche Vite topcoat in all photos but only the first photo shows the Constellations without topcoat.

Now, in my opinion the Constellations looks cooler and more 3D without the topcoat but frankly I don't think they would last long - maybe OK for a one night only thing. With topcoat I am 3 days in with VERY little fallout and I'm chuffed. They are so festive and pretty and the MNY is a really pretty colour. The topcoat seems to give the little beads a more metallic look too (removed some of their colour very slightly maybe?) but still a very cute look and they look like little Christmas lights. Yeah maybe I'm a bit too much in the old festive spirit here but it's December, right?

Most photos courtesy of my iPhone in my too-cosy-to-get-out-of-bed-to-get-the-camera-bedroom.

Without topcoat

With Seche Vite topcoat

So there ya go! What do you think? Have you tried any of these and liked or disliked them? I can't wait to try more of both range and think this might be my nail look for my trip to NYC next week...

Special thanks again to my SS if you're reading this xx

LoubouLush x

Jewellery Haul - Bargain Topshop Freedom

2012-11-09T20:23:00.002+00:00

Just a quickie from me this Friday eve. Popped into Topshop t'other day and found they had a sale on! And this is my mini haul. Full price it would have been £22.50 but it came to £5.50 in the sale.

I also picked up a super soft long white vest which had been £36 full price down to £3! To be fair, it was never worth £36 but still...

I love me a good bargain : )

LoubouLush x

NOTD - £1 Revlon Top Speed Polish in 605 Royal

2012-11-06T15:55:00.000+00:00

I'll keep this short. I snapped this and some other Revlon polishes up in Poundland for £1! I was thrilled with this bargain. This particular one is a gorgeous shade and pretty opaque. IT last much better with the Seche vite topcoat though I like the matte natual finish it gives. I did findit doesn't last very long - maybe 4-5 days with the topcoat, 1-2 without so I'd onyl go without if I was wearing it for a special occasion/to match an outfit. Stil limpressive for £1 don't you think?

This is the polish with Seche Vite Topcoat (shiny finish!)

This is the natural rubbery matte look finish which I liked the look of but struggled with its lack longevity.

LoubouLush x

Halloween 2012 - Ghost Bride

2012-11-03T21:17:00.000+00:00

A bit late but in case you didn't see it on Twitter - here is this year's Halloween costume:

The dress - eBay - approx £25
Tiara - Claires Accessories - approx £3
Veil - eBay - 99p
Flowers - Dunelm - £2.99 (some black eyeshadow added to dull them down a bit)
Make up - Illamasqua white foundation mixed with a little Bourjois Healthy Mix, lots of random black and red eyeshadow for shading, white Rimmel eyeliner pencil and the feather eyelashes were from TK Maxx ages ago and also used in this costume. I also used "rigid collodion to make a scar on my neck but you can't see it very well in these photos I'm afraid, sorry! I love putting costumes together rather than using the generic shop bought stuff but sometimes time isn't on my side!

What did you go for this year?

LoubouLush x

PS Forgot to add a pic of my nails - white Barry M nails polish with a random dark red added with a hair grip for dripping blood. Some heart shaped sequins from Poundland added to some of the other nails with Seche Vite to seal it all in!

Christmas Party Dresses 2012

2012-11-03T18:55:00.001+00:00

It's November so the Christmas Countdown is ON! Here is a sort selection of some party dresses that have caught my eye recently. some of the picture quality isn't great but click through to see each dress in it's full glory.

Probably my favourite of them all and if I can find a valid discount code I might just order this in black right now! ASOS Sequin Cowl Dress (available black, green and pink) £75 from ASOS

I love spotty mesh/sheer sleeve dresses and think this is fantastic version. Probably not great on a pear shae like me but super cute all the same... Louche Spotty Dress £65 from Joy the Store

Again probably not great on a pear shape but I'm loving oxblood shades at the minute and this looks like it would be great for the berry shades of the festive season. ASOS Cocktail Wiggle Dress £50 from ASOS

Another cute take on the spotty mesh sleeve. With a flattering peplum and velvety velour it should be perfect for Christmas and also has M&S "drop a dress size" technology. The only let down for me is the zip. Eeeep. Drop a Dress Size Velour Peplum Spot Dress £59 from Marks and Spencer

If you want to cover up your legs this winder this is a very pretty maxi dress which is more formal than your usual beachwear maxi. Ellen Lace Maxi Dress £100 from Oasis

If the first option isn't glitzy enough then this definitely ticks that box. Stunning dress with a very Angelina leg split! Slightly pricier at £250 but it could be one of those dresses you have forever. Ozlem Sequin Maxi Dress £250 from French Connection

What's your favourite? Please share your festive frock ideas...

LoubouLush x

Greys and Stripes

2012-10-23T12:56:00.001+01:00

Not my usual sort of post but I've been a away for a bit and this is something I've been spending some time on. Our house is a newish build and most of the walls are still their original magnolia. We'd toyed about with the idea of striped carpet on our stairs and landing for a while and have finally bit the bullet and done it. This is the before...

And this is the after!

The stripes aren't for everyone I know but I like them.

New Stuff

The walls are Eglise Grey by Crown Petit Palais and inspired by this post on Florence Finds blog. Who knew finding the right grey would be so difficult? It is quite a subtle grey but we were worried about going too dark. The new light fittings are "prism collection pendants" from Dunlem Mill for £19.99 each. The carpet is from Carpet Right.

Existing Stuff

Photo frames are from Ikea and the butterfly picture was a gift from Mr L from Etsy I believe. The hall table is from Argos and the mirror from Dunelm. The black floor tiles were super cheap ones from B&Q about 6 years ago! Chadelier upstairs from Laura Ashley.

What's left?

I'm going to change the lamp and have a new coat hook thing ordered which I will put up soon!

So there you have it. I hope you like it as much as I do. Now I just have to try to remember I'm not allowed to wear shoes upstairs *huffs*

LoubouLush x

Two weeks later...

2012-09-09T16:31:00.000+01:00

This summer Models Own Lilac Dream has become my "go to" nail polish. I have taken to teaming it with Models Own Lilac Fantasy (has it been discontinued?! Can't see it online - boo). No painted fingernails of mine are complete anymore without my obligatory Seche Vite topcoat.

So after a super busy couple of weeks it struck me yesterday that I've been wearing this combination for 2 weeks.

All in:
1 x Barry M Base Coat
2 x Models Own Lilac Dream
1 x Models Own Lilac Fantasy
1 x Seche Vite Top Coat

2 weeks for a non Shellac/Gelish etc is good going non?

Well I'm very impressed. Minor chippage isn't even that bad IMO. Still going to remove today...

What's the longest you've got out of a manicure/polished nail?

LoubouLush x

(first and third pics, early on - other two were yesterday - posting this on my phone and can't seem to reorder *rolls eyes*)

DGJ Organics - Glossy Brunettes

2012-08-31T21:28:00.000+01:00

Hello lovely readers. I hope you’re all well and don’t letting the miserable weather drag you down – or is it just NI which feels like it’s been steeped in rain for the past few months?

Thankfully I am here to bring good news. Well a good review at least. I have for about a month now been using the DGJ (Daniel Galvin Junior) Organics Glossy Brunettes Range of shampoo and conditioner. As you might have read in previous posts I wash my hair every day so was excited to try a new hair care range but more importantly one which was organic and hopefully kinder to my hair.

First off I’ll give you some information on the brand itself:

Daniel Galvin Jr is an established hairdresser with a passion for organic and a star studded client book. He is also the son of Daniel Galvin Sr, also a hairdresser with over 50 years experience in the industry. Daniel Galvin Jr has combined his passions by entering the designer hair care market and put his own organic twist on it. The idea behind the brand is to have the designer salon professional range through an organic product. The products themselves are brought to the shelves by British manufacturer NPD Medichem. So what does all this mean for the consumer? Hopefully a good quality product which has been created, used and approved by people who know what they are talking about and wouldn’t risk associating themselves with something low par...

Initial thoughts

I like the idea of organic things. Who doesn’t? However I was a bit dubious too. Organic often seems to equal expensive. Maybe when it comes to organic food it equals better taste. When it comes to organic products which are normally heavily reliant on chemicals, I must admit I wasn’t sure it would do what it said on the tin (or bottle).

The packaging is nice and simple - not too in your face. They purport to contain “cocoa bean and walnut” and “develop and enhance depth of colour and shine in dark and auburn tone”. The shampoo aims to protect and encourage longevity of colour for brunette hair. I was hopeful but as I say I felt this was quite ambitious for an organic range.

Shampoo - brown, Conditioner - white

What it’s like to use

I’ve used hair products before that do not contain SLS (Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphates) or parabens and being honest I found them hard work. I found getting a lather so difficult and maybe it’s entirely psychological but I don’t really feel like my hair is clean unless I’ve felt that lather. I was surprised to find this shampoo lathered really well. Not just well for an organic one but just generally... really well. For a good lather I tend to wash and rinse twice which may or not be a bit harsh on my hair but with this I didn’t feel a bit worried about it. The conditioner worked well too and wasn’t at all heavy on my hair after I’d used it - sometimes I find this can be an issue for my greasy hair . Both have a nice but not overpowering smell.

My hair has felt very soft since starting using these. I cannot claim that my hair is noticeably shinier but I do feel like it is more healthy and has a bit more bounce. I have used the conditioner almost every wash as it is so light and I feel it really compliments the shampoo. Overall I am very impressed with both.

Overall

There are few if any downsides. The cost is something else I have been pleasantly surprised by. Given it is an organic salon brand I would not have been shocked if it came with a bigger price tag. As it stands both the shampoo and conditioner are £5.99 each which I feel makes them a real contender for a part in an everyday hair routine. Would I buy these? Yes I would and am keen to try other variations from the brand - Hangover Hair is next of my wishlist. Would I recommend them? Yep and I have already to a couple of friends. Downsides? Locally they don’t seem to be widely available but they are available online but delivery charges make it less ffordable. You can buy directly from http://www.dgjorganics.com/ but with a £7.99 shipping charge I think I’ll keep looking around!

Have you tried any of this range? What did you think?

LoubouLush x

These products were sent to me for my consideration for review. As with all my reviews this is completely my own honest opinion.

NOTD OPI La Pazitively Hot

2012-08-06T14:56:00.000+01:00

Here's a quick NOTD or NOTW for you. I'm sure I've featured this polish before but as part of a different type of post and thought I'd give it a bit of a bigger shout out. I bought this polish completely on a whim to match a wedding outfit from about 3 or 4 years ago. I didn't pay a lot of attention to it other than it was a good colour match for the dress.

It's really one of those polishes that I have that I forget just how nice it is. It's a beautiful shade with a bit of a violet iridescence through it which is difficult to capture in the photos but is noticeable in real life.

It's a keeper and apart from being a bit of a pest for wearing away a little at the tips early on it's hard wearing a a good solid go-to polish for the summer.

What sort of shades to you have as a good fall back for summer?

LoubouLush x

Flo & Percy Find

2012-08-01T12:13:00.001+01:00

I'm not sure if I'm the only person who does this but a thought about something I own will pop into my head and I'll have a sudden panic of "Oh my God, where is that!?". This happened the other day when I was reading that Flo & Percy designed the wedding headpieces for Una and Rochelle from The Saturdays. I bought my headpiece from Kirstie too (look at little young me at the very bottom, cringe) so that means I'm practically a member of The Saturdays *cough*.

Then I realised I had also treated myself to a rather fantastic necklace from Flo & Percy a few months after my wedding and I HAD NO IDEA WHERE IT WAS. After some frantic searching this morning I found it lurking at the bottom of the drawer and I thought I just have to share its fabulousness.

Isn't it beautiful? They have some absolutely stunning designs on their site so it really is worth a look. I experienced great customer service there too. It is even prettier than I remembered and probably far too glamorous for me but one thing is for sure, this will now have pride of place in my new jewellery drawer. Note to self: stop being so careless!

LoubouLush x

Tiara/headpiece from Flo & Percy

Sheeny Shiny Hair

2012-07-30T16:10:00.000+01:00

Wow I found this half finished post in my drafts from about a year ago and thought it might be worth a proper edited post. I don't profess to be some sort of hair care whizz but I thought some of the little things I try to do in my haircare routine might be of interest to some of you.

Since removing dye from my with the Scott Cornwall Colour B4 some time ago I have cut away back on how regularly I dye my hair (I still use Casting dye - semi perm). I have been conscious of losing the shine that I found a semi permenant dye gave me so I think I'd share some products and tips that I've found good.

1. Use a good shampoo if possible - I wash my hair every day as it gets greasy quickly and being honest I don't always use high end shampoos as I try to use up whatever we have in the house at the time. I'm a big fan of L'Oreal Elvive Shampoo for every day use and for nights out I try to use a colour boosting shampoo. I also have a Frederic Fekkai and Bumble and Bumble shampoo I use the odd time for a treat but they are pretty expensive so not an every day user of them. I have used everything from baby shampoo too for something gentle to Fairy Liquid and anti dandruff shampoos to help strip out dyes and redness too in my time. Where possible though a mid range shampoo seems to work best for my hair and my budget.

2. Wash twice - I was once told that the first wash of your hair starts to break down any dirt and grime on it so you should wash and rinse then wash and rinse again to get super shiny hair. This probably isn't great for the overall condition of your hair though as I would imagine it can strip out the natural oils so as I wash it every day I try to do this only a couple of times a week or when I want very clean hair.

3. Condition regularly - I try to condition my hair every other wash but at least twice a week. Again I'm not massively into super expensive conditioners. Sometimes budget is very restrictive and I use what I can afford.

4. Rinse with cold water - the colder the better in my experience. Again maybe rubbish but I think it's similar to cold water on the skin closing pores and this helps smooth the hair cuticle.

5. Use a treatment - I've tried a few different treatments and at the minute I'm still using Argan oil (yep that bottle is still on the go almost two years later and I still have loads left!). I use this as a treatment for my hair over night by applying some to the ends and tying my hair lightly in a band while I sleep. I also sometimes use a little bit of newly straightened hair to keep the ends smooth.

6. Protect - I don't know how well they work to be honest but I feel better knowing I've used a heat protecter spray on my hair before blowdrying or using straighteners on it. I currently use a Tresemme spray which I've had for ages. It's like bottomless pit of protector shizz in there as it still feels half full!

7. Don't use heat products all the time - as tempting as it can be I have tried to cut down on using my straighteners and hairdryer every day. If I want my hair straightened I try to let it dry naturally at least and vice versa.

8. Go for regular trims - even if you're trying to grow your hair longer regular trims will help keep the ends looking fresher and help banish split and fine ends. It might take you a bit longer getting to the length you want but your hair will look better for it.

9. Drink water - again I'm no nutritional expert or anything but again I find when I'm feeling hydrated.

I think that's about all the things I try to keep up with in my hair care routine. It's not rocket science and it's probably not for everyone and I'm always open to new hints and tricks to try so feel free to add yours below.

LoubouLush x

Birthday presents - Cake & Primark Playsuit

2012-07-24T12:19:00.000+01:00

Well I'm supposedly a year older since my last post (sob) and after a few days of mayhem I am back with a quick blog post. Mr L whisked me away a couple of weeks ago for a few days in Mayo as a Birthday treat but I'll do a separate post of that later. He also bought me a yummy Choccywoccydoodah cake which was DELICIOUS. IT came in the post all bubble wrapped and intact - so yes they DO deliver to Northern Ireland. Result!!!

This is the Marshmallow Pyramid Cake in Chocolate with White Chocolate Truffle...

My little sister bought me a playsuit as part of my present and while I've only got one H&M one which I'd only wear on holidays I actually really like this. The pattern and shape are really lovely and the fabric feels really nice. I'm not sure I have the figure to pull it off or if I'll be brave enough to wear it anywhere other than about the house but still if you're braver than me it might be worth a buy!

LoubouLush x

NOTD Rainbow Nails

2012-07-09T17:29:00.001+01:00

A very quick pre Birthday break blog post on my rainbow nails. There's no trick to this. It is what it is.

My colours of choice:
Models Own - lilac dream
Bourjois - bleu fabuleux
Barry M - shocking pink
Bourjois - vert chlorophyll
Barry M - yellow

I'm not sure it's the classiest look ever but it's a bit of fun for the summer and obviously you can have whatever combination and order you like. Simples.

What's your summer nail look?

Off on hols tomorrow so see you on Twitter/Instagram/my return!

LoubouLush xx

NOTD Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine Nail Enamel - Abricot Ouate

2012-07-04T12:08:00.000+01:00

This is a bit out of date now as I had meant to post it last week but better late than never (I hope!). I treated myself to 3 Bourjois polishes last week on the 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug (£5.99 each or well, 3 for 2). Some are available online though not sure this colour is one of them.

Anyhow, here's some photos about 5 days into me wearing the Abricot Ouate. Overall it's a pretty colour and not unlike Barry M 318 Peach Melba which I already own. I felt that I needed almost three full coats to get a got solid opaqueness. I found the consistency very thick which I later put down to the vinyl effect and perhaps if I'd have been more conscious of this I would have got a better finish. I topped it with Seche Vite and while it sealed OK, I was a bit disappointed that it marked a bit more easily than I'd be used to. There's also a bit of chipping and wearing to the edges but I suppose it's a few days in. In hindsight I think the thickness didn't helped and I should have been more mindful. It does give quite a cool vinyl plastic effect which is nice on the summer shades. It is pretty shiny too but as I add Seche Vite now, it gives a good shine anyway but it would be good shinewise (new word?) if you don't bother with a top coat.

I don't think I'd repurchase this shade again at full price as for me the Barry M is a good cheaper alternative but on a 3 for 2 I'm pretty happy with it. Perhaps it's my own fault for buying one so similar to something I already have...

I'll do a post in the next few weeks showing the other two shades (you might have seen them already if you follow me on Twitter) which I hope will be goodies for the summer. What Bourjois So Laque shades would you recommend?

LoubouLush x

New Look Mini Haul

2012-06-09T14:26:00.001+01:00

Oooh look, another iphone post from me...

We took a wee run to Coleraine today and while I was expecting to find much I got the most yummy cupcakes at the Causeway Speciality Market from Windy City Baking Co. http://windycitybaking.co.uk/
We'd bought some once before but hadn't been back for a while but they were just as delicious as before!

In other news I picked up a black clutch bag from New Look. I've needed one for ages but struggled to find one I liked and that had a nice strap. This one fitted the bill at a not-too-crazy price (£12.99). I also spotted the jewellery is buy on get one free. It pained me a bit to get the ring I wanted (£3.99) and have a freebie costing so much less (£1.99) [Is it just me who feels I should have the freebie valuing the same or only slightly cheaper than the dearer item?!] but I liked these little earrings more than anything else on offer so nabbed them too.

That's all my mini haul news for today. Have you picked up any unexpected purchases this weekend? Lemme know....

Louboulush x

FOTD - 5th June

2012-06-05T10:45:00.000+01:00

Here's a very quick face of the day - it's been a while! Today is the second day of this Jubilee bank holiday thing and as the husband is working I'm super dooper bored. I probably won't see another soul all day so thought I'd stick some piccies of my make up up here and show you lovely lot. Face - Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and Concealer, Benefit Hoola on cheekbones Eyes - From the Sleek Bohemian Palette - dark brown on the lash line and socket, black on lashline - Black Avon eyeliner on waterline and Bourjois Volumizer Mascara on top and bottom lashes Lips - nothing!

Simple as that! This is fairly typical of my every day make up and I really like each one of these products and would repurchase every one of them. Hope any of you celebrating enjoy the rest of the bank holiday!

LoubouLush xx

Cushion crush - part two

2012-05-28T20:52:00.001+01:00

Oooh quick post from my iphone so hopefully this works! Following on from this post my striped eBay cushion covers have arrived and are now on the spare bed so I thought I'd share a few pictures...

I know it won't be to everyone's tastes but I like the combination of the colours and the patterns. Just a couple more accessories, some fab art work and a light fitting and that'll be the room done!

LoubouLush x