Tuesday 30 November 2010

NOTD Barry M Mushroom

I can't believe it's taken me so long to post about this but then again it has taken me this long to actually getting around to trying this polish out. I bought it on a whim and then realised I wasn't sure if it was very "me". Anyway at the weekend I felt the need to try something different so here it is:

I must say I liked it more than I expected. It is really nice for something simple and fairly neutral - a softer alternative to blacks and charcoals perhaps. Depending on the light it seemed to generally have quite warm undertones but then in darker conditions seemed to turn more grey. Would I repurchase? Mmm not entirely sure yet. I don't think it's one of my favourite Barry M offerings but it seems pretty similar in quality to the others, it's just the shade I'm not quite sold on.

After a day or two I've added a touch of Models Own "Pink Fizz" to brighten it up a little.

Barry M RRP £2.95, Models Own RRP £5.00 though both can often be found on offer.

LoubouLush x


Monday 29 November 2010

December Sparkle

Happy December!

Decemebr is quite possibly my favourite month of the year. It's the month of Christmas and my wedding anniversary. I love the glitz and sparkle of it. To celbrate that here are a couple of photos of one of my most prized possessions - my Christian Louboutin Gold Multi Glitter Numero Prives. I bought these in Barneys while on honeymoon in New York. They never fail to take my breath away :)


I hope you all enjoy the run up to the festivities...

LoubouLush x


Winter Essentials

I don't know if everyone is being affected by the snow but I'm fairly sure most of you have noticed at least a dip in temperatures. At this time of year I find my skin, nails and hair become dehydrated and in need of extra TLC.

I love a bit of high end luxury but the point of this post really is to say - you don't need it always. This is the perfect time of the year so put on lashings of that body lotion and conditioner you haven't used yet and is cluttering up your collection. Exfoliation is still important of course but be gentle on yourself. I find hand scrub a great little essential for keeping my hands silky smooth but am sure to team it with moisturiser!

I'm not as good at regular moisturising as I should be but this time of the year is great for clearing my backlog of lotions and potions. I put lots on at night and allow my skin, nails and hair to soak it all in overnight. Leave in hair conditioners work wonders and because the weather is so horrendous I ditch the hair straighteners for at least a week or two and loosely pin my hair up instead. Lip balms and basics like Vaseline help seal in moisture to my lips and shield from the elements.

Some of skin stuff I'm loving at the minute but genuinely I don't discriminate.
Unless something gives me a bad reaction, it's all fair game.

Make up wise, I think simple and waterproof is the way to go. The last thing you need to be worrying about is your make up when you're skidding about in the street so I think it's really back to basics on this one. Personally I've been going with moisturiser and a touch of eyeliner and mascara. Remember waterproof on the eyes isn't only a great thing if you are caught in a rain or snow shower but wonderful if you get watery eyes like I do in the wind and cold! I use the GOSH eye primer too which helps keep the eye make up in one piece for a little longer (GOSH face primer brings me out in spots, but so far the eye one seems good).



5 top tips
1. Do it at night - leave it to soak overnight and pop some gloves or socks on the extremities to help keep the goodness in
2. Do it with water - having the heating on more often, teamed with the bad weather means your body is being exposed to extremes in terms of temperature and condition and drinking water will help keep you hydrated
3. Do it on the cheap - slather all those lotions and potions on that have been cluttering up your shelves/drawers. Win win.
4. Do it simply - keep your hair and make up simple, you don't want to be faffing with straighteners and retouching make up constantly during the winter chill (well not every day ;) )
5. Do it sensibly - keep warm and keep safe! Downsize the heels and bring your jacket or scarf with you if you're going out. Fashion can be fun but functional - take note of the weather before you plan your outfit. Blue skin isn't a good look unless you're in Avatar.

Have you any tips you'd like to share? I'd love to hear from you :)
Until next time lovelies...


LoubouLush x

Monday 22 November 2010

Christmas Festive Knitwear

I love a bit of festive cheesiness and what better way to celebrate it than with a Christmas themed jumper?! I've tried to keep within the realms of reasonable taste with these but if you are prepared to take it that one step further there are lots of online sites with festive clothes that are a bit more "specialised"...

Angora Icicle Jumper Dress £55 from www.joythestore.com


Knitted Reindeer Jumper £48.00 from www.topshop.com




Louche Nana Fairisle Jumper Knit Dress from www.joythestore.com


Multi Patterned Sweater £30 from
www.next.com



Reindeer Jumper Knit Dress £22.99 from
www.newlook.co.uk


Sequin Deer Jumper £24.99 from
www.newlook.com

What do you think? I still haven't bought one yet but there seems to be quite a choice on the highstreet/online, especially if you have a penchant for reindeer/deer it would seem... I might end up sticking to lazing about in a pair of Santa pjyamas.


Will you be sporting themed clothes this Christmas?
LoubouLush x





Tuesday 16 November 2010

NOTD Models Own Mystic Mauve

It started with "Champagne" really - the ease of application, the flattering finish, the delicate shimmer. I love the shimmer range from Models Own so have gradually been building up my collection. I noticed the Mystic Mauve lying in my drawer yesterday unopened and thought I 'd give it a go.

I've got into a bit of a dark rut since the colder weather had hit and thought maybe my partically black stained nails maybe deserved a lighter treat. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to love the pastel in the winter. But I was wrong.
Like the others, the finish is so delicate and pretty I simply cannot dislike it. The lilac is a subtle but welcome change from the usual silver of gold shades. It offers a great coverage in one coat but a second coat helps build it up even more. All in all I am very pleased with it.

Excuse the messiness of the appication in the photos - the excess with come off easily later but I've literally just applied it at my desk and once again I'm in love.
Are you sporting deep coloured nails this winter or have you given lighter options a go?

LoubouLush x

Wednesday 10 November 2010

5 things I have learned...

Hi lovelies! Sorry I've been a bit AWOL but normal service will resume shortly :)

This will be a but of a mini post but I was musing a couple of days ago about things I have learned about beauty. They are probably pretty obvious but sometimes you just need someone to say it and it clicks, right? And of course they are just my opinions and experiences but I thought I would share some of things...

1. Moisturise even if it's a pain. I have quite oily skin and greasy hair but applying a moisturiser to your skin and an intensive conditioner (or in my case, argan oil) to your hair overnight can works absolute wonders.

2. Sometimes your hair and skin will be dull and rubbish looking and that's that. You might get breakouts of spots or flaky skin and there might just be nothing any cream will be able to do about it. Hormones in my cases are playing havoc with my skin at the minute. Thank God for Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

3. Be gentle with wet hair. Try to tease out knots as hair breaks so much easier when wet. Try to only straighten dry hair (let protective spray dry a little even) and you hair will thank you for it.

4. Expensive is not always better. I find budget hair conditioners, no frills moisturiser and "lower end" nail polishes work a treat. You might take a while finding the ones that work but when you do, you're onto a winner!

5. Sometimes expensive is better. I love some of my more expensive skin products like EL Night Repair and my Federic Fekkai Shampoos and Conditioners. They most certainly aren't every day products for me though and it works for me and my bank balance.

What would your top tip or bit of advice be right now? Do you disagree with any of the above? I'd love to hear your thoughts...

LoubouLush x

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Queen of Hearts - Fancy Dress

I could babble on about this outfit for eternity but I won't!! I thought I'd let the photos (sorry they aren't the best quality) speak for themselves.

I sewed up part of an old black formal dress, added my red tutu from last year, made a collar from card and a tea towel and sewed it on. I added the glitter heart bag, bought a fab crown, little Alice in Wonderland bracelet from Claires Accessories and glued together some playing cards to make me a fan.

Make up wise I went for dramatic smokey glittery eyes and glittery Barry M polish (I will definitely reuse this for Christmas!!). And how could I forget the fab feather lashes I had picked up in TK Maxx for the bargainous £1.99!







All in all it was pretty bargain basement and a bit rushed in the end. I might just go for something big that I can wear my pyjamas under next year!


Did any of you get dressed up? Make me jealous with all your costume photos :D


LoubouLush x