NOTD Avon Romance

Hi everyone, I had hoped to do this earlier in the week but as you might have seen from Twitter I'm suffering with the cold (woe is definitely me).

Generally I'm quite a fan of Avon products but I admit to finding some of them love/hate. I got this polish as part of some Christmas promo or another I think - its usual price is £6 and is currently priced at £5 on the website (might be different through a rep).

According to the website these Nailwear Pro Nail Polish:

Gives you the look of a professional manicure. Shine lasts up to 10 days* The advanced formula contains diamond dust and acrylic known for its strengthening, and protection properties giving your nails a high-gloss finish.

*10 day Consumer Study #08-381 with 55 people

Not entirely sure what the * part means exactly but anyhow, onto this particular polish in "Romance". The colour in the bottle looked pretty - a metallic, almost lilac soft pink. The brush was easy to use when I got used to it (slightly thicker one, well two sides) and the formula seemed a little runny but ok. I had hoped the runny formula would mean it was quick drying as from the first coat I could tell that at least one more was needed. Also the visible brush strokes meant I'd need to be a bit neater with my final coat. So I waited. And waited and then I applied a second coat. The second coat is what is pictured and while I felt another coat or two would help build a stronger finish I didn't really have time. I wanted to put on a clear top coat so again I waited for this to dry. I waited a bit more. Kept waiting. Eventually I was getting a bit fed up and resigned to the fact I wouldn't have time for a clear top coat. When my nails felt dry I had to move on. About 2 hours later my nails were already noticeably chipped and peeling from the tips.

All in all, although the colour is nice enough for me it isn't worth the time or effort and to be honest I'm not sure a clear topcoat would have helped that much anyway. Disappointing.

Anyone else tried any of the range? Or this particular colour? I'm not sure whether to let it put me off Avon Nail Polishes...

LoubouLush x

Jessie J Inspired Make Up

This is the first make up "look" I've blogged about and I'm more than a little nervous if I'm honest. I had to rush it in the end and couldn't find some of the products I'd have liked to have used but I think I have blogged about most of them if not all before.

Anyway it's inspired by Jessie J (if you don't know who she is, definitely check out her music...)

Here is a photo of her taken from last night's Brit Awards. Personally I love her style and her sort of vampish look.

Photo from OK site

And my version...

Scary "before" shot, ugh.

And the "afters"

Products used - in this order (though I would leave foundation until after the eyes if doing again)

- Boots No.7 Lift and Luminate Foundation in Alabaster

- MAC Brule Eyeshadow over eyelid

- MAC Carbon Eyeshadow on the outer corners of eyelid and some along the lower lash line with a little through the brows

- MAC Dalliance eyeshadow on the inner corners of eyelids and highlighting

- MAC Blot Powder

- Avon Superschock Gel Eyeliner in Black

- Boujois Volume Clubbing Mascara in Black

- Models Own Scarlett Red Lipstick

Phew, so there we have it. I hope you like it? Be gentle with me. Eeeeeek. If I'd had more time I may have added some false lashes and contoured my cheeckbones a little.

Did you see the Brits? Anyone you thought looked particularly fab?

LoubouLush x

Mini MAC Haul

Hi Lovelies

I hope everyone is having a good day. I dared to drift by my local MAC counter the other day and picked up some eyeshadows so thought I’d give you the lowdown on my thoughts thus far...

Dalliance - Part of the Peacocky Mega Metal Eyeshadow range, this was the one that caught my attention most. It’s a gorgeous, pigmented, rich gold with a stunning metallic sheen. I love this shade. I’m not a fan of brassy gold – I prefer the frostier almost silver golds – not sure if only I know what I’m talking about here but to me this is a cool sort of gold which I think is good for me as although I have dark eyes, warm tones aren’t usually great for me. It seems to have slight green undertones also which I think can look great on the eyes. It is supposed to be crease resistant and although I haven’t tested it properly yet for 3.4g at £15.50 I think it’s pretty good value for a high quality and versatile shade.

Carbon - a matte black eyeshadow and in my hunt for a truly black eyeshadow I’ve found they are hard to come by! Like most, a light layer is more of a grey than black and it’s all about the build up to get the black. It is versatile too as a liner with or without liquid added and another good staple for my make up bag. For 1.5g at £11.50 it is quite a bit more expensive than the Dalliance but hey ho, it seems you have to pay for quality!

Brule - A satin nude shadow which I’ve been meaning to get for ages. Sometimes I just want something simple as an eyeshadow on its own or as a base for something more adventurous. This is a lovely pale nude colour and applies supper smoothly – just what I’ve been looking for. Again this is approximately 1.5g pot priced at £11.50.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Sleek palettes and some of the other bargainous eyeshadows out there but I do find myself having the odd splurge on MAC especially for colours I know I’ll get a lot of use out of. Are you a spender when it comes to your eyeshadows? Can any other brands beat MAC?

LoubouLush xx