MeMeMe ‘Boho Balm’ – Cheek and Lip Tint.

The weather outside is pretty frightful but, we’re actually still in the depths of festival season. Ugh, rainy days out? That can only mean one thing – make up meltdown! We’re going to need some pretty durable products to get us through these rainforest-esque showers.

MeMeMe have come to the saviour of all girls on-the-go by releasing their ‘Boho Balm’ (€7.95) which is a multi-tasking lip and cheek tint. The product is available in two shades: ‘Coral Taupe’ and ‘Pink Rouge’. I got my hands on the ‘Pink Rouge’ version of the balm to sample and review for you all.

The compact and enduring packaging of this product makes it the perfect handbag accessory. Unlike powdered blush, it won’t be crushed or damaged in transit. This is great news for those of us who are always on the run.

‘Pink Rouge’ is a dolly pink shade reminiscent of Benefit’s ‘Posietint’ for a much lesser cost. The formula is enriched with jojoba oil which means that it creates an illuminated look. Therefore, it may not be loved by those concious of oily skin. However, I adore it and have been using it for touch ups throughout the day at work.

I’ve been using the cream formula by applying it sparingly to my cheekbones with my fingertips. A little of this product will go a really long way because it’s highly pigmented. It takes a little blending to look perfect but that’s easily done.

As you can see in the above picture, the balm can also be used on the lips so it is the perfect holiday/festival product for those who wish to pack lightly.

I’ve heard that MeMeMe cosmetics are available in pharmacies nationwide so I can’t wait to purchase some newbies to review.

Have you tried the brand? I’d love to hear your favourites.

Rouge x

‘The Tan’ – My Review.

Every single day for the past 15 or so, my phone has been sounding daily reminders which inform me that I am on “day 12″ of my ’30 Day Abs Challenge”. Yes, I am as lazy as sin but I’ve found a solution – I can’t tone it so I will tan it instead.

I was recently sent a bottle of ‘The Tan’s Super Hydrating Liquid Gel Tan’ to sample and review for you all. Now, you probably already know that I am the palest girl in the parish so, I use false tan fairly regularly. This means that I have become pretty critical so, if the formula isn’t perfect, I don’t want it. However, ‘The Tan’ ticked all my boxes.

‘The Tan’ is the brainchild of Jennifer Butler and Jennifer Swaine, owners of the Vanity Rooms salon in Dublin. They’re experts in their field, so obviously I expected this formula to be flawless. It promises a golden bronze colour without the hideous scent associated with false tan but, does it deliver?

You know that my seal of approval is difficult to gain, but The Tan has it 100%. I am in love with the perfect shade, watermelon scent and streak-free appearance of the formula. And, the best part is that the product is really hydrating. It contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter and sunflower oil so you don’t even need to apply moisturiser before application.

Check out my before and after:

This particular product retails at €22.99 which is pretty pricey but you need only use a small amount per application. After all the compliments I received whilst attending the Ed Sheeran concert in Croke Park this weekend, I will definitely be popping into the Vanity Rooms to try the professional spray version of the formula.

Why not visit The Tan’s website and check it out for yourself?

As always, let me know what you think!

Rouge x

My Deliveroo Review.

Everyone knows that dining out is the ‘Holy Grail’ of my hobbies. So, imagine my joy when I heard that I no longer have to leave the house in order to source ‘restaurant quality’ food. The food delivery app ‘Deliveroo’ has launched in Dublin and promises to deliver from many major eateries across the city, straight to your door. Yes you heard me – restaurants such as Nandos, Aussie BBQ and many more straight to your door!

Last week, my friends and I decided to give the app a trial run by hosting a foodie party. In the mood for pizza, we chose to order from McGarry’s Pub and Restaurant in Harold’s Cross, Dublin. €50 supplied three large pizzas, two portions of chips, one portion of wings and a side of garlic bread topped with mozzarella. 

  

The service was super fast with the food arriving within 35 minutes of ordering online. The food was delicious and travelled well, tasting just as it would had we eaten it in the restaurant. The app itself is really easy to navigate – suitable for technophobes city-wide.

  
I can’t wait to see what else ‘Deliveroo’ have to offer. Considering we fed five people on €50, I don’t think I’ll be cooking next time I host a dinner party. 

For more info you can check out the website here. 

Let me know if you love it!

Rouge x

Get The Festival Look.

As a few of you will already know, I made a trip to Longitude festival in Marlay Park at the weekend. Hozier, you were fantastic – I have no objection if you would like to serenade me in the near future. 

Many of you have been asking about my festival look via Twitter so I’m here to share the details. Unable to pull off any sort of hipster chic, I opted for a casual jeans look. I’m madly in love with my Salsa Denim jeans which I purchased in Brown Thomas. They’re designed to slim and define the thigh and bum area, perfect for anyone who is a little body concious. You can explore similar styles here. I paired my jeans with a simple top, a chic sun hat and some Hunter Boots which are admittedly very expensive but extremely comfortable! 

  
Many of you will have noticed that I love my neutral eyeshadow / red lipstick combo but this weekend, I decided to try something a little different. Sleek sent me some gorgeous palettes to play with and I couldn’t resist a pop of colour! 

  
 
How pretty are these babies? I used a combination of ‘Arabian Nights’ and ‘Del Mar Volume II’ to create the perfect festival look. 

I began my look using the ‘Del Mar’ palette. I used the neutral, yet shimmery shades of ‘Loco’ and ‘Pearl’ as base shadow. Then, I applied a dusting of the lilac purple shade ‘Puro’ to the inner corner of the lids. Next, I opened up the treasure trove that is ‘Arabian Nights’, using the electric blue shade ‘Simbad’s Seas’ and ‘Aladdin’s Lamp’ to add definition in the crease and outer corner of the eye. I also used the rusted bronze of ‘Aladdin’s Lamp’ to line my lower lashes. 
  
I loved these shadows. They’re really highly pigmented and easy to blend. The best part? They’re a steal at just €10.49 each. The only problem is that both palettes are limited edition, so I suggest visiting your local stockist before they sell out! 

  

I completed my look with a little gel liner, a splash of neutral lipstick and some generic diamanté jewels. 

What do you think? As always, keep me updated if you try any of the products!

Rouge x 

Tori Michaels London Launch.

Any friends reading this post will be well aware of my obsession with classic cut, tailored clothing. Elegance is key in the style stakes so when I heard that Jodie Fleischmann, former designer for Ted Baker, was launching her own line I couldn’t wait to see the collection.

Fleischmann’s new line seems to be aimed at young ladies, transitioning from high-street style to sophisticated chic. I’m in crazy, stupid love with the tailoring of this clothing – everything is fitted and flattering. Here’s a few of my favourite pieces:

I am very impressed by the versatility of the pieces in this collection and feel that they could be taken from day-time to night-time with the addition of a few simple accessories. My personal favourite is that gorgeous white jumpsuit which is reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s chic style. And that black cape? Definite superhero material!

Regarding the price point, Tori Michaels’ new collection will retail between £50 – £185. Perhaps a little pricey for the younger audience but, each item is definitely an investment piece that will remain in your wardrobe for years. For more information and a further sneak peek at the line, you can visit the Tori Michaels website. Online sales will commence in early August, with the label also due to be launched in Topshop, Oxford Circus.

Let me know what you think of the pieces. Which one is your favourite?

Rouge x

Flormar Nailspiration – New Brand Launches in Ireland.

News just in announces that make-up brand, Flormar, are due to arrive on Irish shores within the next few weeks – cosmetic addicts countrywide rejoice! I’ve been hearing great things about the brand which is majorly popular in other European countries so, I expect that the Irish ladies will love it. Affordable, yet fabulous – the brand offers fun and fresh cosmetics that won’t break the bank. Flormar started out as a nail polish manufacturer in Milan way back in 1970, so we expect their polish to be picture perfect. Here’s a sneak preview courtesy of Rachel Dalton Communications:

  
First up, we have the neutral shade ‘Purr Cat’. Neutral nail polish is perfect for girls on the go – it matches absolutely everything. I wore this formula for a total of three days, chip-free, before swiftly removing it to try another colour.

  
Next up, we have a matte formula in the the shade ‘White Board’. Personally, I think I’m a little too pale to rock white nail polish but I imagine that this one would be gorgeous with a summer tan. After 2 – 3 coats, this polish retained a really strong pigmentation.

  
Finally, we have my favourite. This one is Flormar’s quick drying formula in the shade ‘Bright Coral’. Anyone who knows me will know that I am obsessed with all shades of red – it is definitely my power colour. ‘Bright Coral’ is eye-catching, bright and really funky. I will be wearing this one all week!

  
Excuse the very short and weakened state of my nails, they’re suffering post acrylic extensions at the moment.

One little note about this product that must be made is that you should be careful and cover surfaces when applying the polish. Although the brush is really easy to use for an even application, it does allow for ‘dripping’ so, mind the furniture.

I’ve heard through the grapevine that Carla Jackson, sister of the fabulous Suzanne, will be brand ambassador for Flormar when it does arrive in Ireland and if I can achieve her fabulous contour with the products, I will be buying them by the bucket-load.

What do you think?

Rouge x

Avenue by Nick Munier – Foodie Review.

Nick Munier is a top class chef, best known for appearing on TV shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef Ireland so when I heard that he had launched a new eatery, I couldn’t wait to visit. Last week, I took a trip to Dublin’s newest hotspot ‘Avenue by Nick Munier’. Located in Temple Bar, the property contains two restaurants – “Eclair de Luxe” which is a casual all-day dining area and “Munier at Avenue” which provides a more high-end, opulent experience. My mother and I chose to treat ourselves and dined in “Munier at Avenue”.

While speaking about the interior design of the restaurant, Nick described how he desired to create an atmosphere of relaxed luxury, similar to that experienced on a yacht. I can vouch for the fact that the establishment is far removed from the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar. With an element of Parisian chic, we were transported to another world filled with culinary delights. Skipping the starters, we relaxed in the ‘marine’ themed space, with delicious cocktails in hand.

So, what did we think of the food? As a main course, I sampled the ‘Grilled Lobster’ which was served with garlic and herb butter, saffron aioli and fries. The lobster was one of the best I have tried in Dublin. Sweet and succulent, it retained a ‘melt in mouth’ consistency- I will definitely be back for this dish. The ‘skinny’ fries weren’t anything out of the ordinary but, they provided the perfect light accompaniment to the lobster meat.

  

My mother opted to try the ‘Seared Hake Fillet’ accompanied by cauliflower, shrimp, asparagus and Sauternes sauce. She was delighted with the dish, explaining it to be flavorsome and juicy with the sauce complimenting it perfectly. One of the best cooks I know, she is a very tough food critic to please so congratulations to Nick and the team.

  

As many of you will know, I do have an eternal sweet tooth so I couldn’t wait to try the dessert named ‘Another Fine Mess’ which has been trending all over social media. A delightful combination of raspberry jelly, ice-cream and meringue, this dish is a feast for the senses. It looks great and tastes even better. This dessert provides perfect contrast between the sweetness of the meringue and the sharp flavor of raspberry – heavenly. I suspect that those fond of pavlova and Eton mess will return to ‘Avenue’ for this dish time and time again.

  

For more information on ‘Avenue by Nick Munier’ and a sneak peek at the menus, have a look here. If you visit on my recommendation, let me know – I would love to hear about your experience.

Rouge x

Ziaja – Natural Olive Shampoo and Conditioner Review.

Recently, the lovely ladies at RD Communications introduced me to Ziaja, an Irish brand specialising in hair and skincare products. I hadn’t heard of the brand before and boy, was I missing out. This week, I’ve been testing their ‘Natural Olive’ shampoo and conditioner, as has my Mammy who has kindly delegated herself second opinion on all samples which come through the letterbox.

 

There’s nothing worse than dried out, limp hair. I’ve got 99 problems and split-ends are most definitely one. Ziaja ‘Natural Olive’ shampoo (€3.99) is paraben free and promises to gently cleanse the scalp while adding life to lacklustre hair. My only qualm with this product was that the little sample sized bottle made it difficult to gauge how much product was used – I generally ended up pouring far too much out which is just a waste of fabulous formula. I love the fact that this shampoo lathers really well and leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean.

I have been using the Ziaja ‘Natural Olive’ conditioner (€2.79) in conjunction with the shampoo and I have to say, it has my hair feeling silky soft. The formula is ensuring that my hair is tangle free after washing which means no more annoying knots. And, best of all, my hair is still maintaining lots of volume.

I liked these products so much that I’ve actually purchased the full sized versions for both myself and the Mammy.

What do you think? Have you tried this brand? If not, you can discover Ziaja here.

Rouge x

If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It – Steal Beyonce’s Style.

Queen of her very own Beyhive, Beyonce is often spotted wearing a uniform of stripes. Her most recent look, featured below, is a key example of how the trend can be really flattering, wearable and uber chic. The question is, can we steal Bey’s style?

The likelihood is that Bey’s beautiful dress cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. So, I visited one of my favourite sites Boohoo.com to find some budget-friendly options for those of us who don’t have a billion dollars in the bank/elevator. I think you’ll like these ones – I found some real goodies.

First up, check out this gorgeous crop top and shorts combo. Perfect for summer – this outfit is fun and young. You could dress it down with some gladiator sandals or dress it up with some sexy heels, a metallic clutch and a slick of red lipstick. This outfit retails at just €27 and is available here.

Not comfortable in a crop top? I hear you, but you can still achieve the on-trend striped look. Check out this gorgeous ‘swing’ playsuit, perfect for hiding that pizza you had for dinner and super stylish too. This little beauty is just €14 and is available here. Pair it with some wedge heels and sunglasses for a sassy summer look.

What do you think? Would you rock this look?

Rouge x

CND Vinylux Weekly Polish – Review.

As many of you will already know, I recently had my acrylic nail extensions removed. Although I loved them dearly, my natural nails were squealing for mercy. Acrylic extensions often weaken nails and cause them to split and become damaged so I’m giving mine a little time to repair. However, this doesn’t mean I am willing to go without nail polish – not even for a single day!

I’ve always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with nail polish. I love the freshly manicured look but I hate chipped polish more than I hate the sound of fingernails on a chalk board. It looks messy and unprofessional but, that’s where CND Vinylux Weekly Polish steps in to save the day. I was introduced to the brand in my local salon and admittedly scoffed at the idea of long lasting nail polish which doesn’t require UV light to dry. Boy, was I wrong.

I’ve had my nail polish on for over 7 days and even in their weakened state, my nails don’t possess a single chip as of yet. I chose the colour ‘Cake Pop’ which is a pretty powdered pink – perfect for summer. The polish doesn’t require a base or top coat according to the manufacturers but my salon did apply a top coat, to be on the safe side. The formula takes approximately 8-10 minutes to dry completely and the best part is, it can be removed using regular nail polish remover – no more pesky acetone soaked foils.

Irish supplier Dolledup.ie stock CND weekly polish at €11.95 per unit. ‘Cake Pop’ can be found here. Let me know if you try it.