Christmas Gifts for Her – The Save Edition.

If the “Splurge Edition” of my “Christmas Gift Guides, for Her” was a little beyond your budget, don’t panic – I have come up with a little guide, filled with goodies which are available for under €100.

Kevin Murphy – “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” Gift Set (€50):

 

 

If anyone is looking to buy me a Christmas gift, this is the one to choose. Kevin Murphy haircare is loved by celebrities worldwide, and I am just dying to try it out. This starter kit is the perfect treat for a loved one with luscious locks.  This set includes:

1 x Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash 250 ml.

1 x Kevin Murphy Plumping Rinse 250 ml.

1 x Kevin Murphy Limited Edition Plumping Lipgloss.

Available here from Shampoo.ie.

 

This Works – “I Have a Dream” Gift Set (€96):

 

 

If you have a loved one who has been particularly stressed out recently, this gift set will allow them to rest and relax in peace. This Works’ “Deep Sleep” remedies are designed to promote a blissful night’s sleep, using natural ingredients and essential oils. It may be a little on the pricey side at €96, but certainly worth it – especially for worn out Mums.

Available here at Thisworks.com.

 

Urban Decay – Gwen Stefani Palette (€46).

 

 

Does this one even need an explanation? There is not a woman on this planet who would not love this eyeshadow palette. The collaboration between Urban Decay and Gwen Stefani is quirky, fun and surprisingly wearable – I have been using every single shade in my own palette. However, I would describe this palette as quite neutral, so if your lady of choice prefers a pop of colour, check out the Urban Decay “Vice 4” palette.

The Gwen Stefani Palette is available here from Debenhams.ie.

 

Blank Canvas – 5 Piece Travel Brush Set (€49.95).

 

 

A girl can never have too many make-up brushes and this set is perfect for ladies who are always on the run. 5 essential brushes, stored in a handbag-friendly faux leather case – what more could we ask for? This would be a particularly great gift for festival goers and workaholics.

Available here from Cloud10Beauty.com.

 

REN – Beauty Booster Kit (€35.96).

 

 

The contents of this REN gift set are actually work over €60, so it is a pretty great bargain. Suitable for all skin types, the three products included promise to renew and revive tired skin. This one will come in particularly handy when the festive hangovers begin to kick in.

Available here from Cloud10beauty.com.

 

B by Ted Baker – Rose Print Kimono (€59.00).

 

 

Lingerie by Ted Baker is luxury at its’ finest. I love the rich rose print and purple trim of this piece – wow!

Available here from Debenhams.ie.

 

Chupi – Say My Name Gold Initial Necklace (€79).

 

 

I kept the best until last. This personalised necklace from Chupi is what dreams are made of. These necklaces are bespoke and can be altered to suit the individual for which they are being purchased. Personally, I would choose my initial to be paired with a red gemstone – my lucky colour.

Available here at Chupi.ie.

 

So, what do you think of these picks? And, if you had a limit of €100, what would you ask for as a gift? Let me know in the comments!

Rouge x

Christmas Gifts For Her – The Splurge Edition.

Are you one of those men who has trouble differentiating Primark from Prada? Well, if you’re a hopeless boyfriend when it comes to expensive gift giving, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of perfect presents that will easily earn you a year’s worth of brownie points:

Charlotte Tilbury – Miss Kensington Look (€250). 

 

Inspired by the haughty but naughty girls of the swinging sixties, this gift set is comprised of the coveted limited edition products from Charlotte Tilbury’s “Norma Parkinson” collection. This is a luxury offering and is available here from Brown Thomas. It will make any girl squeal with delight – well worth every penny!

Carvela – Black “Sammy” Over-The-Knee Boots (€240).

Over-the-knee boots are hugely popular at the moment and this pair from Carvela are fabulous. If the lady in your life dreams of ransacking Kendall Jenner’s wardrobe, then these are a sure bet. Available here from Debenhams.

Tessa Metcalfe – Rings on Rings / Emerald & Peridot (£220).

This beautiful piece of jewellery is handmade by London designer, Tessa Metcalfe. I came across Tessa’s work a few years ago and have been dying to purchase a piece ever since. Bank balance willing, I will soon be adding this beauty to my collection. Set into this ring are a Columbian emerald and a pretty pale green peridot – well worth every penny! Available here from London Rocks.

Armani Prive – “Cuir Noir” (€215).

This one is a dark, provocative perfume with leather accents. Although it is a very strong scent, I think it makes the perfect “night-time” fragrance. Available here from Brown Thomas.

Jo Malone London – Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne (€105).

This fragrance is much lighter than the Armani Prive blend. The “Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne” stole my heart in seconds. Upon application, I was transported to a windswept haven – I could almost taste the bitter sea water. I am sick to death of “tropical” beach scents and this perfume offers a beautiful alternative. I love the notes of sage which add a delicate woody fragrance. It’s a soothing scent, reminiscent of rugged cliffs. This cologne has become my signature scent – you can read my full review here. The perfume is available here from Brown Thomas.

Wolford – Cara Swarovski Crystal Tights (€139).

These tights will make any woman feel like Beyonce – enough said. Available here from Brown Thomas.

Kate Spade New York – Cedar Street Maise Bag (€335).

Dear Santa… This beauty is available here from Brown Thomas.

That’s all for now folks. What do you think of my picks? And, more importantly – what would you choose if money was no object?

Sit tight for a more bargain friendly gift guide.

Rouge x

 

 

Urban Decay Vice 4 – Review.

Beauty with an edge.

Anyone who follows me on Instagram will know that recently, my love for Urban Decay has been growing by the minute. I was a huge fan of the brand when I was younger, collecting palette after palette, but when I moved to Dublin for college and started spending a hefty portion of my income on my social life, I put the obsession to the back of my mind. However, I am delighted to report that the fabulous people at Urban Decay have decided to re-awaken my fascination with their products. Behold, the “Vice 4” palette.

Aged 22, I had relegated myself to a world filled with neutral coloured, bronze and beige eyeshadows. Why on earth did I do that? What happened to the girl who loved a pop of purple or green on her eyelids? Well, she’s back with a bang because I won’t be putting this beautiful palette down for the foreseeable future.

Inspired by Urban Decay’s vintage shade “Oil Slick”, the limited edition “Vice 4” palette is a collection of 20 brand new shades with rich, deep jewel tones. Like all Urban Decay shadows, they have a seriously strong pigment and are long-lasting – especially when paired with a good primer. This palette is a collection of mattes and shimmers, which can be layered for either subtle or high impact.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a master-class with one of Urban Decay’s leading make-up artists, Danielle Roberts, who demonstrated how to use the palette to create fabulous, colourful looks. Danielle also passed on some fabulous tips, such as dampening her brush with setting spray before using the “micro-glitter” formula shades to create a foiled effect. My favourites of the shades she used were “Bitter” and “Flame”, which I used to replicate the look she demonstrated, pictured below:

This palette comes with a double sided brush, a gorgeous case which can be used as a small make-up bag and a huge mirror. As with all Urban Decay shadows, there will be a little fall-out from the product so I advise completing your eye make-up before applying foundation.

“Vice 4” is available here from Debenhams who, at the time of publishing, were offering customers 10% off. I think that this one would make the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who you wish to impress.

What do you think of the shades?

Rouge x

Dealz Winter Wonderland.

Maybe Christmas he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to preview the Dealz Christmas collection. Now I know what you’re all thinking – Christmas in October, really? However, as the saying goes; fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Now, I didn’t know much about Dealz before I attended the event other than the fact that everything costs €1.49 and that my mother absolutely loves the store. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to discover an array of bargain buys – sure, I could fill a basket for under €20. What’s not to like? Whether you’re looking for decorations or stocking fillers, check out these Christmas steals!

Every single Christmas Eve, I find myself running around the house in a panic, searching for gift bags. Usually, after all the shops have shut. Dealz have some really cute options such as the duo pictured above. Two gift bags for €1.49? Sure, that’s practically making money.

If you have lots of visitors in your home over the Christmas season, your dishwasher will be in over-drive. Dealz have lots of home-ware options so why not stock up on some extras? These festive wine glasses are my personal favourite. Red is my self-declared power colour so I think I will be using them all year around.

If you have children in your home, you need to run to your nearest Dealz store and purchase as many of these sacks as you possibly can. My inner child is squealing with delight at the notion of personalised sacks, straight from Santa’s workshop.

Festive candles are a must in my household, and my mother’s scent of choice has always been cinnamon. Now, usually we purchase a few luxury candles, ranging in price from €15 to €40 but after smelling the candles which were burning in the Dealz Christmas showroom, I will be saving my money for other treats instead. Available in a few different scents, these candles are really fragrant and long-lasting – SOLD!

If you’re on a bit of a tight budget for Christmas, a great option is to purchase some affordable accessories in high street stores, remove them from their plastic packaging, and deposit them into swish jewellery boxes. Nobody need ever know that their gorgeous necklace came from the sale section in Penneys. This two pack of jewellery boxes is available in stores nationwide for €1.49.

The reality is that Christmas is all about the kids and at the moment, almost every child in Ireland seems to be obsessed with Frozen. I know a particular baby brother who would be delighted with this Frozen stationary set for writing his letter to Santa.

Alright, I know I said “kids” but you’re never too old for Disney, right? Could I please have these baubles for my Christmas tree?

I thought that these individually packaged Christmas crackers would make fabulous stocking fillers.

And, it isn’t Christmas without an advent calender. I have very fond childhood memories of scoffing all 24 chocolates in one go, only to mourn the loss for the remaining 23 days so maybe it is wise to purchase a few back-ups for any greedy chocolate monsters.

And, if that wasn’t enough chocolate for you, Dealz have a huge range of Christmas sweet sets. Smarties, Freddos, Malteasers – calories don’t count at Christmas!

Everything pictured in this post goes on sale in Dealz in November for €1.49. Will you be stocking up on any of the goodies?

Rouge x

Inglot’s AMC Eyebrow Gel – Review.

Don’t worry about me, worry about your eyebrows.

After posting a few too many selfies onto my Instagram account, I have been getting lots of questions about which products I use to shape my eyebrows. Eyebrow sculpting is a precarious art – if you do it properly, your face will appear more defined but if you use too much product you look RIDICULOUS. Yes, if you are smearing powder, gel, wax and liner all over your brow area, you probably do look ridiculous. Less is more in this instance.

As many of you already know, I am very pale with a definite ginger gene. So, it took me a long time to discover products which matched my hair and skin tone – there is nothing attractive about red hair paired with black eyebrows.

However, a few months ago, my fabulous friend gifted me Inglot’s “AMC Eyebrow Gel” and I haven’t looked back since. With a range of 12 shades, Inglot have gone out of their way to accommodate those who like to match their hair colour with their eyebrows. There is one for everyone.

To use this gel, grab a small angled brush and dip it lightly into the product. Then, use the formula to sculpt the natural shape of your eyebrows. I always start from the arch and draw out towards the ears, then use the excess product on the brush by blending it in to the rest of the brow. This formula is waterproof so it is long lasting, and won’t budge from your face throughout the day.

  

 

 The above picture shows before (right eyebrow) and after (left eyebrow). It does take a few practice runs to perfect the technique and if you are unsure of your shade, I recommend visiting your local Inglot counter for a consultation with one of their well-trained staff.

Inglot’s “AMC Eyebrow Gel” is €16 and available here. Check it out and let me know what you think.

  

What products do you use to shape your eyebrows? Are you a fan of powder, gel or wax consistency?

Let me know – I love to hear your recommendations.

Rouge x

Daily Make-Up Look on a Budget (The College Edition).

Quite a few of those who regularly read this blog are students and as you all know, college is a very expensive luxury. So, when I write about “high-end” products, I know that many of you are scoffing at the notion of spending €50 on foundation or €30 on a new lipstick.

Surely there must be a more affordable option? Well, today I have raided my make-up collection to put together an everyday look, using only “drugstore” products.

If you are not using a primer underneath your make-up, you need to invest in one. It will keep your foundation in place for considerably longer meaning that you won’t be practically barefaced come that 3pm lecture. I love this “Illuminating Primer” from Flormar which is available here for just €9.95. It’s really hydrating and should sooth skin which is sensitive to winter weather.

After applying primer, I always use a little liquid highlighter to brighten my complexion. I’m really enjoying this Botanic’s “Radiance Balm” which is available here for just €3.99. Apply lightly under foundation for a soft glow.

When it comes to choosing affordable products, I find it particularly difficult to fall in love with foundations. I am a Charlotte Tilbury fanatic but if I was on a strict budget, I would pick up this “Flawless Cream Foundation” from MeMeMe. It provides lovely, even coverage and is available in pharmacies nationwide for €15.99.

I rarely use bronzer when creating daytime looks because I’m so pale, and because I enjoy the extra few minutes in bed. Therefore, I really need a good blush to give my face some colour. I really like this Sleek blusher in the shade “Rose Gold” because it has a strong pigment which will last all day. It is also a great dupe for the Nars cult favourite “Orgasm” and is available at Cloud10 Beauty for just €5.99.

A good mascara is a must in my beauty book but, it is incredibly difficult to find a high quality formula at an affordable price. I really like Flormar’s “Spider Lash” which does exactly what it says on the packaging by giving an elongated effect, reminiscent of spider legs. Slightly gross imagery but really good results. Available here for just €4.95, this mascara is almost as good as my trusty Lancome “Grandiose” and that is a pretty big claim!

When creating a daytime look, my final step is always a pop of subtle lipstick. Go for something neutral like this Wet n Wild formula in “Bare it All” so you don’t look “over done”. At €2.99 this lipstick is a bargain so you can pick up as many as you like without feeling an iota of  guilt. Wet n Wild is available in pharmacies nationwide and in Dunnes Stores.

The final look you ask?

A “barely there” look which gives the illusion of flawless skin. And all for the grand total of €43.86 – that’s a heck of a lot of products for under €50. Student make-up bag? Sorted..

Rouge x

The Clarisonic Smart Profile – Review.

€249 for a skincare device? Yes, I initially thought it was ridiculous too. However, when you’re pulling all nighters for exams and your skin rebels with the force of Solange Knowles in an elevator, you would try ANYTHING!

The “Smart Profile” is a sonic cleansing skincare device from Clarisonic which automatically adjusts timing and power to suit different face and body parts. For example, the timing customisation means that more delicate areas of the face such as the cheeks, receive a lighter cleanse than the forehead or nose. This is great news for anyone with sensitive skin.

I have been using the Clarisonic for approximately 5 weeks and, I’m afraid that traditional cleansing has been ruined for me for life. How the heck did I ever survive without this perfect device?

Dr. Robb Alridge, co-founder of Clarisonic states that the “Smart Profile” device cleanses skin 11 times better than using hands alone and while I can’t vouch for this particular equation – I can say that my skin feels much softer, fresher and definitely cleaner after using the Clarisonic.

To use the Clarisonic “Smart Profile”, I apply my regular cream cleanser (any cleanser can be used with the device), soak the brush head in warm water and massage face as directed. The timing customisation is made obvious by user alerts, ensuring the process is uncomplicated. I really appreciate the fact that the device has a ‘turbo’ function which allows the user to increase power at any time.

iPhone creators could also learn a thing or two from Clarisonic, with the battery of the “Smart Profile” lasting weeks at a time before the need to recharge is indictated.

All in all, I won’t be returning to traditional methods of cleansing. My exam-stress related breakouts have finally subsided and my skin is looking brighter and healthier than ever. Is the device worth €249? Well, obviously if you don’t have the money – it’s not a priority but if you are having skin problems or just want to treat yourself, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase one of these babies.

Let me know if you do!

Rouge x

Boohoo.com – My AW15 Wishlist.

Last week, I was lucky enough to be invited to Boohoo’s AW15 preview. The evening, hosted at Soder + Ko, Dublin’s newest ‘hot-spot’ was fabulous. The room was sprinkled with fashion, food and cocktails – the perfect recipe for any great event.

Unfortunately, I now have a wishlist which has reduced my bank account to tears. Yes, Boohoo.com is a really affordable source of style, but not when you want to purchase everything you see – argh!! Here’s my top picks for the season:

First up, I have fallen for this chic shirt dress. It is simple, yet sophisticated and could be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Personally, I would pair this with some luxurious patterned tights, black stilettos and major sparkle for a night out. The dress includes a belt which may be tied to give the illusion of a clinched waist. Costing just €34.00, this piece is available here in a multitude of colours.

I just couldn’t resist this ‘Suedette Biker Jacket’ and so, purchased it last night. This design offers a nice alternative from the ever-popular black leather jacket. I think that this one will be really cool with edgy dresses or skinny jeans and tees. It retails at €47.00 and is available to purchase here.

My next pick is this cute skater dress. I adore the pretty pink and navy pattern and think this one would be perfect for casual wear. I would pair it with some over-the-knee boots, or grey/navy tights for the perfect A/W look. This dress is a bargain at €24 and you can find it here – I might just have to add this one to my own wardrobe.

Turtle neck tops seem to be really on trend this season. They’re on sale in every high street store, but Boohoo are pricing their’s at just €14 so stock up while you can. These tops can be paired with virtually anything and this one is available in seven colours here.

I am CRAZY about this coat! Reminiscent of Kim Kardashian’s style but for only €41 – where could you go wrong? This one is belted and looks really cosy for wrapping up during the cold weather. You can find it here.

If you’re looking to swap your skinnies for a skirt, look no further. I love this tulle midi skirt with metallic detailing. It will really stand out from the crowd so if you’re looking to dress up, this one is perfect. You could pair it with a crop top as seen in the picture, or invest in a black bardot top or bodysuit if you want to avoid revealing your midriff. This piece has an elasticated waist, so it should hide a multitude of sins. It is €34 and available here.

Ok folks, that’s a wrap on my favourite pieces from Boohoo.com for AW15. Let me know if you love them, or even hate them – I always like to hear your opinions.

Rouge x

Debenhams AW15 Collection – My Picks.

Those of you who follow me on Snapchat (username: rougewriting) will already know that I attended the Debenhams AW15 press event a few weeks ago. I’m studying for my FE1 exams at the moment, so posts are slightly delayed but I have finally gotten around to researching my top picks for the season.

First up, I am in love with this H! by Henry Holland ‘Military Jacket’. Reminiscent of Cheryl Versini Fernandez’s style, this pick could be dressed up at night with the addition of heels and accessories or dressed down during the day with a cosy scarf. RRP €97.50 available here.

Next up, we have another piece from the H! by Henry Holland collection. This wool mix jumper is playful yet, chic and could be worn with skinny jeans or casual mini skirts. RRP €60.00 available here.

This coat from Star by Julien Macdonald was my favourite piece from the AW15 collection which was displayed at the event. I love how the military style of this coat is softened by the pleated skirt – very 50s chic! I will definitely be purchasing this one for myself. RRP €180 available here.

This piece is such a fabulous colour that I couldn’t resist adding it to my picks for AW15. It is also from the Star by Julien Macdonald collection. The pleated detailing is flawless. I would match this top with a pair of ‘leather effect’ skinny jeans and killer heels. For those of us who are ‘tummy concious’, I’d imagine that this design would be very forgiving. RRP €67.50 available here.

Accessory wise, I love these patterned tights by Joe Brown. Patterned tights can really dress up an outfit and are perfect with casual shirt dresses for an understated sexy look. RRP €17.95 available here.

I really like these Red Herring fringed ankle boots, also available in a ‘tan’ shade. RRP €52.50 available here.

And last but not least, are these Lipsy shoes. I actually purchased these to match my graduation outfit and I’m delighted with them. They’re gorgeous and very reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s ‘Bad Blood’ music video. They’re also relatively comfortable – hurray! RRP €90 available here.

And now, I have some extra good news – at the time of publishing there was 20% off all the items listed at Debenhams.ie so check them out sooner, rather than later.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Rouge x

Advice for my 18 Year Old ‘Fresher’ Self and Friends.

Having completed four years in third level education, I suddenly feel old and wise. I will of course be posting a series of articles relating to college style, make-up and skincare. But, first here’s a little advice that my friends and I could have done with back in the day:

1) Leave the school squabbles in the playground. Forgive, forget and if some *bish* stole your boyfriend during your ‘junior disco’ era, send her a thank you note and move on.

2) Your family are the best friends that you could ask for. They always have your back, even when you’re in the wrong! So, ring your grandmother every now and then – she probably misses you! 

3) When it comes to confidence – fake it until you make it! Stand up for what you believe in. Nobody respects a doormat.

4) Learn to do your make-up properly, but don’t wear it everyday. Irish girls have a tendency to cake their faces in foundation, but trust me, it isn’t attractive. Your skin needs to breath. I will be posting a few simple make-up looks over the next few days so stay tuned.

5) Good skincare is essential. If you don’t want a face that resembles a pizza, invest wisely in some good quality cleanser, toner, moisturiser and SPF. Sleep is also essential for maintaining healthy skin – so don’t feel too guilty about missing that 9am lecture! 

6) Speaking of pizza, eat as much as you like while your metabolism is still working. Mine has long since abandoned me and my only regret is not eating takeaway more often. P.s. it might be a good idea to start some kind of gym routine.

7) GO OUT! At some stage, you will have to work mid-week so Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are best spent in a dive of a nightclub sipping shots of tequila with your buds. Also, dance like nobody is watching -literally. Here’s to the nights you won’t remember with the friends that you’ll never forget.

8) Figure out sooner rather than later that lots of water and a multi-vitamin before sleep is the key to easing that hangover. If you forget or pass out, a bacon sandwich the next morning is far more effective than painkillers.

9) Go to the odd lecture. However, if an adventure pops up as an alternative, remember that most lecturers post their notes online.

10) Abercrombie tracksuits are not the height of style – try to save them for exam study sessions when everyone else looks equally sloppy. Don’t dress to fit it, wear what suits you. 

11) Friends will leave, even best friends. Don’t invest too much energy in any one person. If they want to make time for you, they will. 

12) Your friends are usually right – you won’t change the “bad guy/girl”, but you’ll have fun trying. 

13) The new friends that you make in college, will provide the best memories that you take with you when you leave. You will even look back fondly on the nights that you stayed up together until 3am cramming for exams. 

14) Travel, travel, travel. If you can, find a job in a hotel which is part of an international chain. Said job will be hell on earth, but the discount will be worth every second. 

15) If you’re going to participate in the J1 programme (which you definitely should), do so SINGLE and carefree. Don’t spend one single second missing home, you’ll be there for long enough. 

16) You are responsible for your own happiness so claim it, work it and own it! 

Let me know if you have any advice to add in the comments!

Rouge x