Custom Blend NOTD: Nails fit for a Princess.... or Graduate

When it hit Twitter that Kate Middleton was wearing Bourjois Rose Lounge on her wedding day, I mentally noted it down alongside a million other products on my to-try list (product junkie sympton number 1...).
 
So, when planning my nail colour for graduation a good week or so before the big day, (symptom number 2...) I knew exactly what I was going for!

The result was a very sheer colour - as expected - and after 3 coats I wasn't really diggin' it (old school phrase right there..!).  So, I did exactly what K Midd did and created my own custom colour.  I layered a coat of Barry M's Strawberry Ice Cream - to give a pinkier tone - underneath another coat of the Bourjois to tone it down again.

The result was the exact colour I craved - near enough to my favourite Essie colour 'Luscious Lips' that I have used up and never got around to repurchasing.

So there we have it - my new favourite custom blend pink!  I can't believe I've never mixed nail varnishes before - this has opened up a entirely new range of possibilites!

Do you have a favourite combination of colours to wear? xxx

NOTD: Barry M Peach Melba

A few months ago, Yu and I realised that her University town is my home town - small world?!  After months of tweeting, we finally met up last week and we had such a good time!  The highlight?  Pretty much jumping for joy that the small, local Superdrug has expanded it's previously tiny range and now stocks Sleek, MUA and Accessorize among many others.  We must have looked like complete nutters....

You can read all about it here (Yu puts it better than I ever could..!) but needless to say, we both purchased some new Barry M nail paints - it would have been rude not to!

First up to try....

Barry M Peach Melba

Peach Melba was on my nail varnish wish list and it does not disappoint.  A supposed dupe for Illamasqua's Purity, it is gorgeous creamy peach that looks almost nude in some lights but neon in others.  The application was a little streaky - nothing to really moan about - and whilst two coats would have been plenty, I opted for three to ensure a perfectly smooth and opaque finish.

Unfortunately my attempt of duping Seche Vite with China Glaze's fast dry topcoat is not really working out.  It is nowhere near as fast and as you can probably see in the picture, it recedes on the tips even when I cover the free edge.  Any recommendations for a fast drying top coat that works - with no health side effects - would be really appreciated!

xxx

Nail Varnish Wishes

For some reason, all of my nail varnishes have decided to become overworked and gloopy all at the exact same time.  I've tried my OPI thinner and regular nail varnish remover but to no avail...they are all pretty much useless.

But what a perfect time to invest in some gorgeous new colours!  Spring heralds the arrival of beautiful yellows and peaches; blue and violets; corals and pinks..

Here are just a selection of the beauties I've spotted and will hopefully get my hands on over the next few weeks...

Revlon's latest offerings in Blue Lagoon and Sunshine Sparkle

Currently on offer at 2 for £8 in Boots

Barry M's new Blue Moon and Peach Melba

Models Own Lilac Dream and Coral Reef

MaxFactor Mini Diva Violet and Diva Coral

17 Candy Collection:

 Orange Soda, Sherbet Lemon, Fairy Cake, Mint Choc Chip & Parma Violet

What nail colours are you lusting after this season?!

xxx

Favourites: Lip Products

I own more lipsticks, glosses, liners and balms than any other type of cosmetic.  I am just instantly drawn to the sparkly, pink, glossy goodness and seeing as most lip products are under the £10 mark a new purchase is always justified....!

Therefore to whittle it down to 5 favourites was no mean feat but here is what I came up with...

MOR LIP DELIGHT - PASSION FLOWER

Oh my days, this is potentially my favourite product in the world. Yes, big claim there!  I received this as a present for Christmas from Space NK but before that I had never heard of the brand.  From a little bit of internet research it turns out it is an Aussie brand and this little pot (10g) is around the £12 mark.  Space NK unfortunately don't seem to stock it anymore though.  Sad face.

However, I have used this every day since Christmas day and the pot still has over half left.  It is the most delicious smelling balm I own that makes my lips feel butter soft instantly and provides the perfect base for lipsticks and glosses.  It is also a slightly opaque balm so can be used to tone down a bright lipstick when used over the top. 

PRESTIGE LIP LINER - SILK

My lip line is naturally not perfectly even so I love using a natural coloured lip liner to even the edges out and make my lips slightly fuller.  

This liner fits the bill perfectly as it is pretty much the same colour as my natural lips.  It gives me a perfectly symmetrical pout and when used all over, makes my lipstick of choice stay put longer than usual.

BARRY M 147 LIP PAINT

Out of all the lipsticks I own, this has been getting the most love recently.  It's a gorgeous corally/peachy pink that is slightly brighter than my usual nudes and therefore perfect for the Summer months.  It's also as cheap as chips, readily available and I do love the matte black packaging.

BARRY M #4 GLOSSY TUBE

I'm just going to say it - I love this and could not live without it!  I would recommend this product to everyone and anyone - it is just a gorgeous, glossy matte pink gloss that I'm sure would suit nearly all skin tones.  It's pretty, light, easily applied and smells delicious - strawberries and cream spring to mind...

On it's own it is pigmented enough to tone down my naturally quite red lips or over the top of a lipstick it provides a beautiful glossy finish.

In this picture from Saturday night I have it applied over the 147 lip paint - pretty much a match in lip-combo heaven ♥

GOSH DARLING VELVET TOUCH LIPSTICK

No surprises here...!  I know everyone raves about this and it's not very original but it honestly is such a fave! It's just a beautiful, versatile lipstick that I can wear everyday.  It goes with basically every make up look and has just enough colour to ensure you don't look like a corpse/chav rocking concealer lips.  If you haven't tried this yet, what are you waiting for?!!!

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June Favourites

• MaxFactor Second Skin Foundation - For days when I want slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturiser this does the job perfectly.  It evens my skin out with a dewy finish but my freckles are still visible - perfect for when I don't want to look too made up.

• Elf mineral foundation - Perfect for setting my make up in this weather and giving some coverage at the same time.  Be warned though - even the lightest shade is still pretty dark..

• The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Blusher Kabuki - I bought this last Summer and have literally used it every day since.  I use it for powder and honestly don't know what I'd do without it.  It is probably the softest brush I own and it just buffs in powder beautifully.  The best part?  I got it for a steal off eBay..

• Barry M 147 Lipstick - I am honestly in love with this colour!  I was so distraught that I lost it last weekend after one too many vodkas that I rushed out and bought two...as you do!  It is a perfect peachy-corally-pink and looks as good on the cheeks as it does on the lips.  It is however, like it's 101 sister, extremely drying and always needs a lip balm under.

• MAC Hush CCB & Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush  - These two work so well together - the brush picks up the perfect amount of product and allows it to be buffed all the way along the cheekbone for a gorgeous dewy finish.

• BB Creamy Concealer - Heavy duty enough to cover my dark circles but doesn't cake or collect in fine lines.  When set with the powder provided it stays put all day and makes my eye area look bright and awake even when all I want to do is crawl back into bed!

• Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara - If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know I gave this a pretty negative review a while ago.  However, I have to say sorry to Bourjois and admit I now love it.  I guess it has dried up a little and it is now the perfect consistency to work with.  Yes, the brush is still fiddly but when I have the time and patience, it can result in the most amazingly lengthy lashes.  Its not perfect, but pretty damned near :)  

And finally...

Decorated coral toe nails - I refuse to leave the house in Summer without my feet looking their bestest!  And this has been my design of choice so far this year.... simple but effective!  

The shoes?? KG and beautiful but they are the DEVIL - no pain, no gain I guess?!!

Out and about this week - Clothes, Make up, Hair & Nails

Dress: Camden Market

Belt: ASOS

It has been so beautifully hot this week that I have spent most of my time in the garden but when needs must and I've had to pop out, I've chosen this dress a fair few times.  It's far too hot to be faffing about with multiple items of clothing so I've just thrown this on, belted up and gone about my business!  The make up has been super-natural - Nivea young tinted moisturiser; any mascara and a clear gloss.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser

L'oreal Studio Secrets HD Smoothing Foundation

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

ELF Mineral Foundation - to set

No 7 Mosaic Bronzer - to contour

MAC Hush Cream Colour Base - highlight

No 7 Pink Petal Blush

MAC Bare Canvas Paint - all over lid

Zara black eyeshadow - in crease & outer third

No 7 grey/silver - blended into black 

ELF Medium Eyebrow Kit

Prestige Silk Lipliner

Barry M 147 Lip paint

Jemma Kidd Shell Lipgloss

Earrings: Accessorize

Hair: Styled as in my hair routine

A bit more glam for a night on the town!  I did nearly die from the heat when getting ready though - 28 degree weather + hair dryer + curling tongs = a melted George ...!

Nails of the week: OPI - Got a date to-knight

I really cannot fault this polish - gorgeous wearable pink, applies very smoothly and this photo is after 5 days of wear.  One of my faves for sure!!