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

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

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