P. Macs – Foodie Review.

Earlier this week, a friend of mine introduced me to one of her favourite food spots in Dublin. P.Macs is situated just off St. Stephen’s Green and is a hidden gem amongst the hustle and bustle of the area. I was majorly impressed from the get go because the decor of this charming pub is hipster and cool, without being too in-your-face ‘alternative’. 

  

So, what about the food? Delish! I sampled the pulled pork burger while my friend had the chicken wings. As per usual, she drew the better straw. Even though my burger was great, her wings were in a league of their own. Dressed in a nice homemade sauce, they offered an alternative flavour to the “buffalo” dressing most commonly associated with chicken wings.

 

The pulled pork in my burger was fresh and flavoursome – I would definitely go back for another. Portion sizes were really generous too! 

 

And, all of this yummy food only cost a grand total of €20 (lunch menu). The staff were lovely and really welcoming. I can’t wait to visit again!

Rouge x

Summer Love – What I Wore.

Like Kanye West, I’m a big fan of wearing “all black everything”. However, summer is finally here so last week I decided to step outside my comfort zone and brighten things up. Here’s what I wore to my end of term summer party: 

 

This gorgeous dress is from Lipsy (€80). I love the pattern and the cut is majorly flattering – especially for those of us still working on the bikini bod. It’s  true to size and available here: 

http://www.lipsy.co.uk/store/dresses/lipsy-printed-lace-cami-skater-dress/product-is-JD03436_130

 

Next up, we have these majorly pretty shoes from New Look (€39.99). Sparkly with a bit of edge, these would be perfect with both jeans and pretty dresses. They’re also really comfortable. Available here: 

http://m.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/silver-diamante-cut-out-high-vamp-heels-_325930092

 

I completed the look with a dainty little necklace (€4) and ring (€3) from Penneys/Primark. A spritz of dry shampoo from Batiste helped to add texture to my hair – a handy tip for adding volume instantly.

Rouge x

Eyes to Mesmerise.

Nobody knows make-up like Charlotte Tilbury does. So, when I heard she was releasing a new range of cream eyeshadows – I was first in line to try them out at my local department store, Brown Thomas. I picked up the amazing ‘Veruschka’ shade which is a beautiful moss green and one huge step out of ‘neutrals’ territory!

The formula is water-based and infused with vitamin E. This means that it glides on effortlessly with no mess. Maximum impact with minimum effort! I wore this shadow without primer for approx 10 hours without any smudging or fading.

Simply apply with your fingers and use a ‘smudger brush’ to bring the formula below your lower lash line. The new ‘Eyes to Mesmerise’ shadows retail at €26 and for such a high-quality product – this is a bargain!

Let me know what you think.

Rouge x

You Can Call Me Queen Bey.

If anyone knows how rock summer style it’s Beyonce. Bold is beautiful and Queen Bey knows it! So, lets steal her style!

Missguided have some fabulous summer offerings so I’ve had a look and come up with the following shorts/top combo:

This coral top is perfect for summer – light and eye-catching. It’s only €21 and available here: https://www.missguided.eu/clothing/category/tops/rosy-neon-coral-pom-pom-detail-boxy-top

A more subtle option than Bey’s hot pink shorts – these mauve pink shorts would be really flattering for those of us rocking a ghostly pale Irish complexion. They’re €30.80 and available here: https://www.missguided.eu/clothing/category/shorts/pocket-detail-peach-skin-shorts-mauve

Bey’s look has been topped off with a gorgeous green handbag and this one from Parfois is a fabulous alternative. I love the bamboo detail on the handles! It’s €39.99 and available here: http://www.parfois.com/en/collection/cannes-shopper/?id=51&idp=180587

So there you go, celebrity style without the designer pricetag. What do you think?

Rouge x

Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing.

Wet n Wild are a great brand for producing high-quality but affordable beauty products. Relatively new to the Irish market, the brand is known amongst bloggers as one of Ireland’s best kept beauty secrets. So, when I received an invitation to the launch of their summer range – I was super excited! The summer range is everything I expected and more. I am particularly impressed by how wearable the bright colours are. Here are some of my new favourites:

First up, we have the Wet n Wild ‘Colour Icon Brow Pencil in the shade ‘Blonde Moments’ (available in 4 shades). As a dedicated ginger, I usually find it difficult to locate a brow pencil close to my hair colour but this one is perfect. The formula is creamy, easy to apply and long lasting. This product is designed to give brows definition and shape, without making them appear ‘painted on’. I love the natural look.

Next up, we have ‘Colour Icon Eyeliner’ in the shade ‘Cool Green’. Now, usually I tend to steer clear of bright coloured eyeshadows and liners but since it is finally summer, I gave this one a go and loved it. Just use it to line your lower lashes for a subtle pop of colour. Or, if you’re braver than me – apply loads and rock it!

If you’re going to apply a pop of colour to your eyelids, it is usually best to go for a very subtle lip. I love this ‘Mega Slicks’ lip gloss in ‘Cherry Glaze’. Unlike other affordable glosses, it is neither sticky nor drying. It glides on smoothly to leave lips hydrated and utterly kissable.

Wet n Wild products vary in price range from €1.99 to €6.49 and are available in Dunnes Stores, Penneys and selected pharmacies nationwide. Who could say no to that bargain?

Rouge x

‘Cause She Never Goes Out Of Style – Steal Taylor’s Look For Less.

I am officially a 21 year old ‘fan girl’ who has become obsessed with Taylor Swift! The woman has become a major style icon around the globe – recently topping Maxim’s Hot 100. But, with coveted designers clamoring to dress Taylor – can we steal her style without a huge price tag?

You may be aware that Taylor recently rocked up to the Billboard Music Awards 2015 ‘head-to-toe’ in a beautiful Balmain jumpsuit. Unfortunately, this jumpsuit was a one of a kind – unavailable for purchase.

So, I have searched the internet high and low to bring you a similar look at a fraction of the price. Check out this fabulous white, ‘cut-out’ jumpsuit from Asos (€68.49). Perfect for summer, this jumpsuit is probably a more wearable version of the one sported by Taylor. Chances are, you don’t have a huge awards event coming up but the outfit pictured below offers some Swiftie style that can be worn during the day and dressed up at night. I especially love the ‘metal bar detail’ which will be flattering for those conscious of their ‘tummy area’.

The jumpsuit is available here: http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Tall/ASOS-TALL-Tailored-Jumpsuit-With-Metal-Bar/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5065681&cid=7618&Rf-200=5,20&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Ivory&totalstyles=102&gridsize=3

Just pair with some silver sandals, a ‘cuff’ bracelet and some sparkly rings for the ultimate summer-chic look. Let me know what you think!

Rouge x

Crowning Glory – Colab.

As all of my readers will know, I recently attended the launch of ‘SOSU’ by Suzanne Jackson and had a fabulous evening. One of the highlights of the night was the little goodie bag we all received upon leaving which included a sample of Sue’s new nail polish collection and a fabulous haircare product which I’m going to review in detail here.

Colab is a brand which is entirely new to me – I hadn’t even heard of it until last week. And, this is the ‘Tokyo’ version of their dry shampoo. As someone with really long hair, I adore dry shampoo and feel it is essential for ‘between washing’ hair days. Not only are we all too busy to shampoo, condition and blow-dry hair daily – doing so can be really damaging for healthy hair.

This dry shampoo is my favourite formula thus far. I have used other brands and noticed a ‘grey/white’ residue but Colab offer a formula that is residue free. They also offer a different scent range with ‘Tokyo’ providing a warm floral smell, perfect for summer.

Simply spray directly onto hair at a 20cm distance (focusing on roots) and massage through with fingertips. No oil, no residue and the bonus of added volume.

Colab dry shampoo is available in Penneys or online at Cloud10 Beauty.

So, what do you think? Will you be trying this brand?

Rouge x

The Queen of Coral.

Just a quick post to share my lip colour of the day with you all. Summer is upon us, so I’ve taken the brilliantly bright colours out of storage in celebration.

Here’s one of my favourite coral colours: Revlon’s Colourstay Moisture Stain in ‘Miami Fever’ (€10.99). This lipstain is a subtle orange-red colour and as demonstrated by the fabulous Emma Stone (cover girl for Revlon) it is suitable for all skin tones – pale princesses behold!

The formula is long lasting yet moisturising. I got about 6 hours of colour from this product, without eating. Application is really easy with the nice triangular shaped wand and perfect for girls on the go!

I can’t wait to try the other colours in the range! What do you think?

Rouge x

My Skincare Saviour.

I’ve been getting loads of compliments from followers lately regarding the clarity of my skin and many have asked if I have a skincare secret. Well, here it is:

Dermalogica’s ‘exfoliating face brush’ (€22) is a miracle product. To use:

1) Cover face and neck with a layer of your favourite cleanser.

2) Wet brush with warm water and massage face in circular motion.

3) Rinse skin and brush.

This brush is perfect for removing make-up, dead skin and impurities. I find that it’s gentle on skin while exfoliating effectively. It’s also much cheaper than electronic alternatives. I use mine every evening before applying night cream.

Have you tried this product?

Rouge x

You’re More Intoxicating Than A Glass of Champagne.

Last week I waved goodbye to my last ever college lecture and hello to three steady nights of celebration. This basically meant 72 hours of ‘full make-up face’ which had to be re-applied each morning/afternoon to tired, dehydrated skin. Here’s how to apply flawless make-up in record time for all the party animals out there:

1) Moisturiser is your best friend here – preferably a thick, luxurious formula. Massage into face and neck area before applying primer. Then, choose a medium coverage base and apply with fingertips.

2) Next, I used Benefit’s ‘Big Beautiful Eyes’ palette to create a bright-eyed, ‘hangover free’ look.This palette includes two mini brushes, three neutral shades and ‘Boi-ing’ concealer in the shade ‘medium’. Benefit supply a handy little instruction booklet with this palette, detailing how best to achieve gorgeous eyes for day-time or night-time. I followed the instructions for night-time by layering the lightest shade all over the eye, the medium shade in the crease and the darkest shade was applied to the outer corner of the eyelid. Then blend, blend, blend! This palette is one of my all time favourites and retails at €36 :

http://www.debenhams.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10052_10001_123901928499_-1

3) Apply some of the lightest shade in the eyeshadow palette below the lower lash-line and then proceed to line your eyes. Recently, I am loving Maybelline’s ‘Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner’. This gel liner is easy to apply, long-lasting and fall-out free. The black pigment in the liner is fabulous so one coat alone does the trick. Apply gel liner using a generic liner brush or indeed, the liner brush in the ‘Big Beautiful Eyes Palette’. Don’t forget to line along the lower lash-line for added definition. Maybelline’s ‘Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner’ is available in pharmacies nationwide at €11.99.

4) On hideous hangover days, a cream blush is essential for a healthy, dewy look. I love Benefit’s ‘Majorette’ which is a peach coloured ‘cream-to-powder’ formula. Just apply lightly to the apples of your cheeks using your fingertips for an instantly gorgeous glow. You can use this product alone or as a base for powder formulas. It retails at €34 and can be found here:

http://www.debenhams.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10052_10001_123901101799_-1

5) Before a night out with the girls, it is essential to apply lip colour that is long lasting. That way, if you put your handbag into the cloakroom, you won’t be looking at pale, colourless lips every time you check yourself out in the bathroom mirror. Therefore, generous application of lip-liner is key. I’m obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s  ‘Lip Cheat’ liner in ‘Pillow Talk’ (€22). More details on how to apply liner to enhance your lips can be found in a previous post at:

All I Need in This Life of Sin, is Lips Like a Kardashian.

So, the final look?

What do you think?

Rouge x