TheBalm “Highlite and Con Tour” Palette – Review

Over the years, I have mastered almost every make up technique introduced by the beauty industry but contouring is one that always seems to slip through my fingers. I struggle to find the correct shades to match my pale skin tone and more often than not, the process becomes a time-consuming disaster. But, not anymore. Recently, I got my hands on theBalm’s “Highlite ‘N’ Con Tour” palette and now, the whole contouring process is a breeze.

This gorgeous new palette contains two shimmer highlighters, two matte highlighters, three matte bronzers and a gorgeous blush. The “Highlite ‘N’ Con Tour” palette also comes with a really handy “how to” guide that actually comes in surprisingly useful and seems applicable to all face shapes.

A few of my followers have voiced their concerns that the bronze shades in this palette look rather dark but, I’ve tried each of them and they blend beautifully into the skin without any major effort. A little does go a long way with both the blush and the bronzers but, if they suit my ghostly skin tone, I doubt any other pale ladies will have a problem with them.

The highlighters in this palette are beautiful and again, blend really well. I love the addition of the matte highlighters because it means I can highlight my forehead, without looking like I’ve got some serious shine. To use the shimmer highlighters before a night out; I spray my brush with a little setting spray and then apply the product for a more intense effect.

The picture above (with no filter) demonstrates how the “Highlite and Con Tour” palette can be used to create some facial definition that looks natural, rather than over done. The powder formulas give a far more natural effect than cream contouring products and I found them much easier to use. This palette definitely has my full approval!

TheBalm’s “Highlite and Con Tour” palette retails at €36 in stockists nationwide. What do you think? Are you dying to try it, or do you already have a “go-to” contour kit? Let us know in the comments.

Rouge x

 

 

Valentines Day Gifts – For Her

 

 

 

Just when you thought the gift buying was over after Christmas, Valentines Day rears its ugly head. Back to the diet of baked beans and “cuppa soup” for another month then… Here’s a little gift inspiration for those who are struggling for some fresh ideas. There are winning presents to suit every budget!

 

 

 

Too Faced “Sweet Peach” Eye Shadow Palette – Available Here: 

I dare you to find a girl on the planet who is not currently lusting after this gorgeous palette from Too Faced. The last time it was released, it was a worldwide sell out and we have been waiting MONTHS for a restock. Of course, it’s going to sell out at the speed of light so I recommend whipping your credit card out and purchasing it online from Debenhams before it’s gone.

Juvi “Shooting Star” Necklace – Available Here:

This dainty necklace from Juvi Designs is stunning. My combination of choice would be the green onyx gemstone set in gold vermeil. The design is timeless and so elegant. This is a gift that a girl could happily hold on to forever. And, I saved the best part for last – the necklace is a bargain at €59, even though it looks far more expensive than that!

Mugler “Angel Muse” – Available Here:

 

I was gifted this perfume shortly before Christmas and it is gorgeous. It’s definitely a sensual perfume but it also contains some sweet notes of cocoa and hazelnut so I think that it would appeal to a variety of women, dependent on their personal taste. If the lady in your life loves a perfume that lasts all day, this one is a great option.

TheBalm “Highlite N Con Tour” – Available Here:

This fabulous face palette is a brand new release from theBalm which means that you can almost be guaranteed that the lady in your life doesn’t have it yet. It will suit all skin tones, so there’s no need to worry about shade matching. I absolutely adore this product and will be releasing a full review soon. And, if you’re looking for a bargain, you should check out my post on theBalm’s Christmas Collection because those gorgeous goodies are on sale now!

Yves Saint Laurent “Couture Palette Collection” – Available Here:

This newly released palette from YSL is just gorgeous. The shades provide a little pop of colour, so this one would be best suited to those who are adventurous with their make up. I think the peachy/pink shades are fabulous for spring and, because the palette is specifically designed to create a contoured eye,  this is the only palette the lady in your life will need. Now, I said need – not want! This product is compact and perfect for those who love to travel.

Juvi “Initials” Collection- Available Here:

Yes, I think that we can officially establish that I am obsessed with Juvi. I love the brand, their ethos and the very reasonable price point of their designs. Their new “Initials” collection includes a number of pieces that would make perfect Valentine’s gifts. You can read all about the collection in a previous blog post which you can find here.

Carvela “Alice Ombré Courts” – Available Here:

Want. Need. Must have. These Louboutin-esque shoes from Carvela are DIVINE. They’re also a fraction of the price of the famous “red sole” version. That’s really all that needs to be said.

Rouge x

My Top “January Sales” Picks

Christmas is over and the festive season is firmly behind us. But, fear not – returning to work means a brand new paycheck which also means hitting the January sales. You only regret the things that you don’t buy but I’ve complied a little list of my favourite bargains to give you a little inspiration.

 

 

 

LanaiBlo Professional Hairdryer – Available Here:

 

After reading The Beautiful Truth’s “Luxury Christmas Gift Guide” and watching her Snapchats, I found myself lusting after this LanaiBlo styling tool. Santa heard my plea and dropped one of these babies down the chimney and, I have to say, it’s definitely worth the money. The 2400 watt LanaiBlo is the brainchild of Irish entrepreneur Katie-Jane Goldin and it drys hair at a much faster rate than my previous hairdryer. It now takes me about 10 – 15 minutes to dry my hair which is pretty long, falling far below my shoulders. This hairdryer also uses ionic technology to provide an anti-static result. I rolled my eyes at that too but it actually does work! I’m finding less and less of a need for my GHDs.

The LanaiBlo is currently reduced from €99.99 to €89.99.

AYU “Chloe Brush Set” – Available Here:

Again, this pick is one that I already have. I ADORE my “Chloe Brush Set” from AYU and used it almost every day over the festive season. It contains pretty much every brush you’ll need for a full face of make up, although I would recommend purchasing a stippling foundation brush too for fast application. I love the royal purple and gold colours in this set and because the brushes are made from synthetic fibres, they won’t absorb and waste product.

The AYU “Chloe Brush Set” is currently reduced from €60 to €45.

ESPA “The Replenishing Collection” – Available Here:

 

This gift set from ESPA is on my January wishlist because it contains all of my favourite skincare goodies from the brand in one box. ESPA is a gorgeous spa brand, available online and in luxury Irish resorts like Castlemartyr and Powerscourt. I absolutely adore their “Hydrating Cleansing Milk” which is in this set along with their “Hydrating Floral Spafresh” toner, “24 hr Replenishing Moisturiser” and “Overnight Hydration Therapy” which I have reviewed in full here. I’m actually running low on my ESPA products at the moment, so a sale is the perfect excuse to stock up. I would recommend these products for all skin types but, I think that dry and dehydrated “winter skin” would really appreciate the TLC that ESPA provides.

The ESPA “Replenishing Collection” is currently reduced from £60 to £42 and, ESPA are also offering a free full-sized cleanser to those who spend over £60 online.

Mugler “Angel Muse” Gift Set – Available Here:

As some of you will already know, I included Mugler’s “Angel” in my “Christmas 2016 – Fragrances for Her” post. Now, Debenhams are offering 25% off this gorgeous “Angel Muse” set which includes a 50ml refillable eau de parfum and a complimentary 5ml miniature for your handbag. “Angel Muse” is a slightly sweeter fragrance than “Angel” and is lovely and fresh for everyday wear.

The “Angel Muse” gift set is currently reduced from €89 to €66.75 at Debenhams.

Benefit “Blushin’ Babe” Gift Set – Available Here:

Arnotts are offering a massive 33% off this gorgeous gift set from Benefit making it cheaper than one full-sized blusher from the brand. Benefit blushers are arguably the best on the market, loved by make up addicts worldwide. And, if you purchase this gift set, I highly doubt you’ll find any need to purchase another blush product for years. With five well-sized options to choose from, you’ll have the perfect shade for every occasion. And, Benefit have also included a mini “They’re Real” mascara and liner and a “Watts Up” highlighter.

Benefit’s “Blushin’ Babe” is currently reduced from €43 to €28.81 at Arnotts.

Juvi “Egadi Round Pendant” – Available Here:

I am OBSESSED with Irish designers Julie and Vincent Tynan’s creations. You can read my piece on their new “Initials Collection” here. This gorgeous pendant is available at a discounted price with a number of gemstone options. Labradorite is one of my favourite gemstones so I think that the option pictured is gorgeous, but it’s worth checking out the Juvi website for the other options including ruby and rose quartz.

The “Egadi Round Pendant” is currently reduced from €95 to €66.50.