TheBalm “BalmJour” – Review.

Have you switched your central heating back on yet? Yeah, me too. Which, as I’m sure you already know, means dry skin and chapped lips. Fantastic. As the winter months hit, the majority of us will need to start switching up our make up and skincare routines and one of the first things to be put back into my make up drawer is matte lipstick. I adore my matte lippies and I’ll still be wearing them on nights out but for every day wear, my lips can’t hack them during the winter. I’m not a huge fan of lipgloss either – I cannot be dealing with a mouth full of hair every time I step into a gust of wind. Talk about first world problems!

TheBalm have recognised our need for a hybrid product and “BalmJour” is exactly that; it’s a lovely combination of lip stain and a non-sticky gloss. The product comes in 8 different shades and I was lucky enough to get my hands on all of them, thanks to the lovely press team at TheBalm.

As you can see from the above swatches, the “BalmJour” product is really pigmented. The formula glides onto the lips and sits comfortably. They’re not heavy duty lip stains so once the gloss wears off, you won’t have a really strong color but it will definitely be visible, particularly if you’re wearing the shades “Ciao” or “Ni Hao”. “Ni Hao” is probably my favorite shade because it’s a beautiful deep red, perfect for autumn and winter. For something a little more subtle, I’m a big fan of “Aloha”.

All in all, I’m very impressed by this product. The shades are beautiful and the formula is easy to wear. The “BalmJour” lip products also affordable at €14. They would make a perfect treat to console yourself about having to switch the heating back on.

TheBalm is available at TheBalm.com, from Debenhams and from Cloud 10 Beauty.

So what do you think? Are you going to switch things up this year or are you planning to stick with your matte liquid lipsticks?

Rouge x

TheBalm “Even Steven” Foundation – Review

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve heard about this product already and you probably know that it’s one of my all time favourite foundations. I post pictures and videos wearing it quite often but some readers have asked for a full post, detailing why I love the “Even Steven” formula. And now that I’m back to blogging more regularly, I decided it’s the perfect time to share.

“Even Steven” is a whipped foundation formula from TheBalm and I have to admit, when it was first sent to me as a press sample, I had visions of my “Dream Matte Mousse” days.. Yes, like every other girl in Ireland in the 00s, I was caked in the stuff. So I’ll admit, I pushed this formula to the back of my make up drawers and forgot about it for awhile.

A few months later, I found myself battling with a house move which meant that all of my usual make up picks were packed into a box neatly, only to disappear into oblivion. So, I decided to try something new and dug a few formulas out of the press. “Even Steven” was the only one that I held on to after a few weeks of chopping and changing.

I’m not easily impressed by foundations – I like my base to be subtle with enough coverage to cover blemishes but not enough coverage to mask my face and hide my freckles. “Even Steven” has a mousse like texture and the coverage is very buildable. I find that a little goes a really long way and that the best way to apply it is with a flat-head foundation brush.

The shade range isn’t amazing but I find that the “Lighter than Light” shade is pale enough for my tan-less days. I’ve been wearing the “Light” shade over the past few weeks because my skin has darkened a tiny fraction with all the good weather we’ve been having and I’ve also been wearing some gradual tanning moisturiser most days.

Packaging wise, the tub does look small but when I say a small amount goes a long way, I really mean it! One issue I do have is the fact that you either have to scoop the foundation out or dab your brush into the pot. Obviously because I’m a lazy brat, I use the dip method and I’m pretty sure it’s not the most hygienic.

I’ve found that the foundation applies evenly, blends into the skin well and has a lovely finish. It’s not matte but it’s not dewy either. I use a little brightening primer underneath and it gives a gorgeous glow to the skin. The lasting power is fabulous. I was concerned that the formula would slide off my face during the heatwave but I’ve found that when it’s set with the Urban Decay “All Nighter” spray, it stays put for hours. I never worry about reapplying this product.

Here’s a classic before and after to give you an idea of how the foundation sits and the amount of coverage it gives. As you can see, it covered the blemishes on my face, without concealer, but didn’t conceal my freckles. I’m all into freckles these days thanks to Meghan Markle.

The “Even Steven” foundation by TheBalm is available from Debenhams and Cloud 10 Beauty and it retails at the €22.

So tell me what you think! Would you dare to wear a mousse textured foundation after all those years of “Dream Matte Mousse”?

Rouge x

TheBalm “Foiled Again” Eyeshadow Palette Review

It takes a lot to get me excited about new beauty releases these days. I work full-time and by the time I get home in the evening, after battling rush hour traffic in Dublin, I’m just too wrecked to start playing with make-up and testing new products. However all is not lost and every now and then, something comes along that makes me squeal with delight. The new “Foiled Again” palette from theBalm was one of those products.

 

 

The “Foiled Again” palette is made up of twelve eyeshadows – four matte shades and eight foiled shades. The shadows can be used dry or dampened with some setting spray (I use the Urban Decay “All Nighter” formula) to create a more intense look. The formulas glide onto the skin effortlessly and the matte and shimmer shades blend together beautifully – which is surprisingly unusual.

 

 

Now, you’ll have to excuse my dodgy swatching skills but just look at those shades! My favourite thing about the “Foiled Again” palette is that it’s a universal product that will suit every skin tone and even though lots of people will question the inclusion of four matte shades, I think that they work really well to complete the palette. This palette would be perfect for both beginners and make up geeks so it’s a great one to purchase for Christmas.

 

 

As you can probably guess from the picture above, the golds in this palette are my favourite but I’m really looking forward to experimenting with the fiery red shade, “Guilty” over the festive season. I recommend pairing the shimmery looks created using this palette with a bold feline flick – theBalm’s “Schwing” liner is actually the perfect product for creating this look?

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself to Debenhams on Henry Street and get swatching!!

Rouge x

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

theBalm – Christmas Collection 2016

“Dear Santa, I can explain….” – Anonymous.

 

theBalm are one of my favourite make up brands EVER. I love the quirky packaging but more importantly, I love the products. At a reasonable price-point, the brand never seem to fail when it comes to delivering on quality and that is really the important thing for every beauty addict. Keeping this in mind, I’ve decided to help you out a little when it comes to constructing your Christmas wish list. Apologies in advance, because I know you will want it all.

 

 

Meet Matt(e) Hughes Mini Collection

 

Anyone who follows me on social media already knows that I am OBSESSED with these liquid lipsticks. I think they beat the cult favourite “Kylie Jenner Lip Kits” hands down. I’ve written a full review here. My favourite shade is “Loyal” which is a divine red – perfect for Christmas. However, if I was purchasing a gift for a friend, I would definitely pick up this multi-pack. Six shades for just €29.

 

 

TheBalm Appetit Eyeshadow Palette

 

This one is a gorgeous eyeshadow palette that can be used to create neutral or fun, colourful looks.The packaging is quirky and cute with some tongue-in-cheek slogans and shade names. I love the inclusion of shimmer shades – we all need a little sparkle in our lives over the festive season. My favourite shade is “Chris. P Bacon” which is a gorgeous burnt orange colour with lots of shimmer – perfect for use as a “pop” shade on the centre of the eyelid. This palette retails at €39.95 which may seem a little steep but the shadows themselves are  a large size and should last a lifetime. It’s going to be a sell-out so my advice is to pick one up while stocks last.

 

 

Meet the Manizer Sisters

 

Every beauty nerd has heard about theBalm’s cult favourite “Mary-Lou Manizer”. It’s arguably the best powder highlighter on the market so, if you haven’t tried it, what are you waiting for? Or better still, pick up this limited edition palette and try Mary Lou’s sister products too. I adore the “Cindy Lou” shade as a blusher – it’s my everyday go-to product. And, “Betty Lou” would be a great product for anyone who likes a bronzer that has a little flicker of shimmer throughout the formula. The “Meet the Manizer Sisters” palette would be perfect for gals on the go who don’t want to carry around really bulky, heavy make-up kits in their handbags. It retails at €28 which is very reasonable considering the individual products cost €21.50 each.

 

So what do you think of the products? I bet that you want them all! theBalm’s Christmas products are available from retailers nationwide including Debenhams, Meaghers Pharmacy and Make Up Forever (Clarendon Street, Dublin 2). Don’t forget to drop us a line in the comment section and let us know which gifts are on your Christmas wish list.

Rouge x

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debenhams Discount (10% Off) – My Top 5 Picks.

For those of you who didn’t know already, Debenhams are currently holding their “Winter Spectacular” sale. This means that they’re offering 25% off across the store and 10% – 20% off all beauty products. Now, 10% may not seem like a lot but, if you’re looking for some luxury beauty products which are very rarely discounted; then I recommend taking a look.

Here are my “Top 5 Picks”:

 

 

Yves Saint Laurent ‘Fusion Ink Encre de Peau’ Cushion Foundation (available here).

Urban Decay ‘Naked Ultimate Basics’ Eyeshadow Palette (available here).

Too Faced “Sweetheart Blush” (available here).

theBalm “Balm Voyage” Holiday Face Palette (available here). Full review post here.

Urban Decay “Original Primer Potion” (available here).

The above are my top 5, must have make up products at the moment. They’re perfect Christmas gifts, or because it’s Thursday, why not treat yourself? As if we even need an excuse.

The Debenhams “Winter Spectacular” sale is due to continue until Sunday 13th November so I suggest stocking up while you have the chance!

Rouge x

theBalm “Balm Voyage” Palette – My Travel Essential.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only one page.” – St. Augustine.

If you’ve been following me on social media, you will already know that I spent the past few weeks in New York City. Countless selfies later, many of you have been asking me to post about my make up travel essentials. I will put a full post together over the coming weeks but first, I wanted to tell you all about the “Balm Voyage” travel palette from theBalm. This is the only make up palette that I brought on my trip and I used it every single day.

 

This gorgeous palette includes nine eyeshadows, two blushers, a bronzer, a highlighter and two cream lip and cheek tints – everything you need for travelling. Aside from some brushes, foundation, setting spray, translucent powder and a few extra lipsticks, this palette is all that I packed in my cosmetics bag for my trip to NYC.

The eyeshadows are super pigmented, with a velvet-like consistency. The shadows can be used wet or dry which is really handy because the “Fáilte” shadow can be dampened and used as an eyeliner. I ended up using these shadows daily, not only on my own eyes but also on my friends’ – she loved this palette too!

The bronzer in the palette has a matte finish so it can be paired with the highlighter for some simple contouring. Ordinarily, I prefer to use liquid products for contouring but, I found that these powder formulas worked much better in the NYC humidity. The highlighter is particularly gorgeous. In fact, I’ve almost hit the pan of that one – it may be time to purchase a full sized version. I just used a simple sculpting brush to apply, which I accidentally left in NY, along with the rest of my brushes, goddamn it!

The powder blushers are as pigmented as the eyeshadows and a little goes a long way. I particularly love the “Huan Ying” shade which is a lovely peach colour – perfect for Irish complexions.

The cheek and lip tints were soft and although pigmented, were very easy to blend. Again, a little goes a long way so be careful with these ones. Two tiny dots on the cheekbones can be blended to create a dewy, natural look. I fell head over heels in love with the “Vitajte” shade which I used as a lip colour almost every single day. This is the shade that I’m wearing (a very light layer) in the picture below:

In the picture above, I’m wearing nothing but my regular foundation and theBalm’s “Balm Voyage”. This is a day-time look but  it was very easy to create night-time looks with the palette too.

I got my “Balm Voyage” palette from Debenhams and it is available here or in stockists nationwide. It’s actually an absolute bargain at €40 – remember, this is the only palette that you’ll need in your collection, even if you’re lusting after every palette on the market.

What do you think? Do you have a specific make up palette that you take on holidays with you? Let us know in the comment section!

Rouge x

theBalm “Batter Up” Eyeshadow Sticks.

Regular readers of this blog will know that recently, I have become obsessed with theBalm. The brand are quirky, cruelty-free and boy, do they know how to create high quality formulas! If you haven’t already, you need to check out my review of their holy grail lip product “Meet Matt(e) Hughes”.

Now, that’s the self-promotion out of the way so, let’s chat about their newest release “Batter Up” eyeshadow sticks. As you may have noticed, I’m not a big fan of cream eyeshadow formulas in general. I find them sticky, difficult to spread and impossible to blend. Therefore, I didn’t know what to expect when theBalm kindly sent me samples of their new formula.

  

As per usual, theBalm have amazed me and I’m an official convert to this particular cream formula. The eyeshadow sticks, which come in a range of 8 new shades, are to die for! The consistency of the formula is creamy and non-sticky, which makes it easy to blend. Also, I know that creasing is a huge problem associated with cream eyeshadows so I’m delighted to report that I’ve worn the “Batter Up” formula for 10 hours, without any creasing at all – but note that I always wear an eye primer.

  

The shades have a really strong pigment so you can apply them directly from the stick to your skin for an intense colour. Or, for a more subtle finish, you can apply with a brush. Personally, I prefer applying the formula directly from the stick and blending it with my fingers. You can also apply the formula on top of your regular powder shadows before a night out for some extra oomph.

  

“Batter Up” eyeshadow sticks are available here from Cloud10Beauty.com and are priced at €18.50 each. What do you think? Would you be willing to convert from your powder palettes?

Rouge X 

 

The Balm – Meet Matt(e) Hughes – Review.

Oh my god, this one has been sent from lipstick heaven. My only question is, why does anyone wear anything else? The Balm is an entirely new brand to my make-up bag. I mean, I’ve heard of it, with many bloggers raving about the cult favourite “Mary Lou Manizer”, but I had never tried any of the products until last week. Now, there’s no turning back.

“Meet Matte Hughes” is a liquid lipstick which creates a gorgeous matte finish and while it dries on your lips, it doesn’t dry out your lips. This means no fading and more importantly, no lip prints. We can finally eat and drink without fearing lipstick smear!

I was lucky enough to be sent the shade “Committed”, which is a fabulous nude/pink colour:

  

This product is really easy to apply using the “doe-foot” applicator which means that I haven’t been using lip liner. Look how huge my lips are! That one is all thanks to the mint extract in the formula, which acts as a natural lip-plumping agent. Kylie Jenner, you won’t be needing those fillers any longer.

Obviously, when you fall in love with a lipstick formula, you need to purchase it in many shades. Well, perhaps only if you have a shopping addiction. But, for once, I was delighted that I do. You probably all know that I favour a classic red lip above all other make-up looks so check this out:

This shade is “Loyalty” and holy smokes, is it fabulous! Again, with the lip plumping and eeeeek that colour – the perfect red!

“Meet Matte(e) Hughes” liquid lipstick is available in 8 different shades – all of which are on my wishlist. You can purchase here at Cloud 10 Beauty for only €15.50, which really is a bargain for such a high-quality product.

What is your favourite shade? Help me choose my next one!

Rouge x