In Style Peach Sorbet

Since my last haul of the nail polish variety, I was determined they would be the last purchases for a while.  Then I saw In Style's latest issue and well, the rest is history!

Nails Inc latest freebie offerings (they are so good to us!) come in 3 beautiful Spring-appropriate shades and as soon as I saw the selection, I knew Peach Sorbet had to be mine.  The name conjures up a colour that is delicate, pretty and feminine; and the result is just that.

As for the application, the first layer results in a surprisingly pigmented and opaque finish, although some-what streaky.  After a second coat, the colour is truly opaque and could well be left here - as I have done on my toes - but I did apply a third and final coat to ensure no streaks.  After a top layer with Seche Vite, you are left with a beautiful and glossy light peach shade that is nude in some lights and slightly pink in others.  It is almost like a peachy cousin of OPI's Mod About You; creamy and very light but with enough colour that it stops your hands looking like a corpse and will also look amazing offset with a deep tan.

I think this is going to have to be a shade that I will buy multiple copies of the same magazine for.  I want back ups of this and for the price of £3.80, it'd be rude not to!

xxx

NOTD - Polka Dots

Picture the scene - it's the day before pay day and a beauty blogger is almost tearing her hair out at the desire to buy a new product or something pretty to cure her addiction.  With only £1 left in her pocket, she thinks there is no hope; until a shop, which usually makes her think is the work of the devil, comes to her rescue....

At just £1, these nails from Primark cheered me up greatly on a dull February evening!  There is no denying they look adorable but how do they really perform?

Application - A thin layer of glue on both the false nail and your natural nail, press down and hold for 5 seconds.  It really is that easy!

Shape - Out of 24 nails, I found 10 that fit perfectly/OK.  The other 14 will have to be thrown away but for £1, it's not something I'll lose sleep over.  I filed the tips down a little as they felt slightly too long for me but you could easily get away with them as they are!

Wear - I've had these on for 24 hours now and I still have 10 nails in tact which means they have already surpassed my expectations!  The actual pattern is wearing off slightly but nothing too noticeable at all.

I haven't worn false nails in a very long time but I absolutely love these.  I have to say, Primark - credit where credit is due...sometimes, you really do provide the goods!

xxx

Seche Vite's replacement

Seche Vite was one of my all time favourite products last year but as much as I loved it, it was expensive and apparently full of nasty chemicals that could be detrimental to your health.

However, I could not get away from the lure of rock hard nail varnish in 30 seconds and therefore the ability to change up my nails every day if desired.  I was a woman on a mission - find a replacement!  A few products tried, and failed, to live up to the fast-drying promise but this little red bottle won a place in my heart.

It may not be as fast as Seche Vite but it still provides a totally smudge-free finish in mere minutes and that is good enough for me!  It is also so easy to find, a steal at around £6 and regularly on offer.  Sally - you have done it again!!

The best things in life are free

Last month the magazines here in the UK were offering some fantastic freebies including The Body Shop eyeliners & mascaras and Ciaté lipglosses - of which I absolutely love and have featured here and here. 

And this month, they've done it again.

My personal picks are Marie Claire and Elle who are offering Ciaté (they get around don't they?!) paint pots and Mavala nail colours respectively.  I chose the conservative options of My Fair Lady and The Elle Grey but there are other options including the fantastic Elle red as seen over at Makeup Savvy.

Other freebies this month include Glamour's offer of Eyelure lashes and Red's slightly less appealing Balance Me bodywashes.

Will you be picking up any of these publications this month?  Not only are the gifts fantastic but the fashion is amazing - I love September... it's like the Fashion New Year!!

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

Face and Nails of the Week

I have been happily stuck in a rut with my make up this past week or so.  I've now got this down to a fine art and it literally only takes me a few minutes in the morning.  In this picture, I've gone heavy on the highlighter and added some 110 Eyelure lashes - my new absolute faves!

You can also spot my newest nail varnish purchase - Rimmel's 'In Style Coral'.  It is is a beautiful pink-toned coral that is near to Rose Libertine but slightly more coral toned and therefore an absolute hit with me!  Between this and Barry M's Peach Melba, I'm set for colours this summer!

FACE

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer (52) to contour

MAC Something Special Cremeblend Blush

Benefit High Beam to highlight

EYES

MAC Bare Canvas Paint all over lid

MAC Tempting through outer third & crease and smudged along lower lashes

MAC Dark Edge through brows and lightly through crease to darken at night

Dream Weave mascara

[110 Eyelashes at night]

 

LIPS  

MAC Something Special Cremeblend Blush

Lipgloss: Jemma Kidd Petal OR Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker

NAILS

Rimmel - In Style Coral 

I hope you're all having a lovely week

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

17 Again

I have to admit, 17 is not normally a brand I ever look at but the amazing Mirror Shine lipsticks made me take a little more interest..

So when I was in need of a little make up pick me up, 17 ticked all the boxes!  Cheap, cheerful, good quality products on offer at 3 for 2 - how could I resist?!

First Kiss blusher is a gorgeous pink with a slight golden sheen to it.  It is perfect for adding some colour to the cheeks and adding a subtle glow.  It seems to last pretty well on the cheeks too - very impressed!

Flirty Shine On lipstick is the second lip product by 17 I've tried and fallen in love with.  Although it is matte - which the name doesn't suggest - it does, like its sister Beehive, apply like a dream.  It is also incredibly long lasting, isn't drying in the slightest and the matte black packaging is pretty nice too.  It's a keeper.

I cannot comment yet on the Heart Beat Lasting Fix nail polish but it looks like gorgeous baby blue in the bottle.  Expect a NOTD soon!

These swatches are one of the reasons I cannot wait to get home to the DSLR but hopefully you get the idea!

Left: First Kiss blusher

Right: Flirty Shine On lipstick

Any other drugstore bargains to be had?! Let me know!

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

Bring On The Bling!

This polish, released late last year in honour of Cher and Christina Aguilera's new flick Burlesque, is the latest addition to my OPI collection.

I honestly love it!  Having purchased possibly the world's worst camera - stick with Canon or Nikon ladies... Fujifilm is awful! - it was unfortunately nigh-on impossible to fully capture the effect it has.  The predominately gold glitter is shot through with pink, silver and green particles leaving a beautiful effect that is sparkly and eye catching but in no way tacky or in your face.

The application was easy and painless - fully opaque in two thin layers and a super quick drying time.  I have applied a top coat to a few of my nails but apart from making the nail surface slightly smoother, I wouldn't say it affected the look or durability of the polish.  It is fantastic all on its own!

As my first glitter polish, I am more than impressed!  Any other glitter recommendations?!

Products of 2010: Seche Vite Top Coat

I honestly don't know how I ever lived without this miracle.

Well, actually..I do - I spent hours of my life waiting for nail varnish to dry just for it to smudge anyway..

But now, I can paint my nails at 2am in the knowledge that I can hop into bed 5 minutes later and wake up without my sheets imprinted on my fresh polish - it's the small things :)

Plus, the high shine is second to none..

What are your products of 2010??! xx

Weather Appropriate NOTD: China Glaze - Recycle

In an attempt to succumb to the season I shoved my lilacs, greens and all other happy colours to the back of my nail varnish drawers and pulled out all the autumnal colours I could find including this recently purchased bottle from the grey family.

Overall opinion?  

Just. Not. Sure

I really, really want to like this...I want to look down at my nails and think "Wow, aren't I chic!"  

In reality, I just think they look a little bit drab...  

I wouldn't mind this so much but it is also a streaky mess to apply and it doesn't last well - in the pictures which are taken just after 24 hours after application you can see some tip wear. 

In general - Definitely not a repurchase but is it OK enough to wear on a regularly basis? 

What do you think??  It just doesn't fill me with happiness...

NOTD: Essie - Luscious Lips

Things I love about this polish

- The colour is simply beautiful.  A feminine, creamy baby pink.
- It applies so smoothly - no streaks in sight.
- It lasts!  Days and days!
- It's amazingly cheap when ordered from America.

The 1 thing I'm not so crazy about

- It is really sheer and therefore takes about 3 or 4 coats to get a decent colour pay off.

BUT, as it lasts so long, I probably still use less as I don't need to change the colour after 1 day.  Swings and roundabouts.. :)

A definite permanent feature in my collection I feel.  It's a perfect, every day colour that's always appropriate and classy - I love my greens and purples etc but I just feel 'polished' in colours like this.

I really rate Essie at the moment - my next purchase will definitely be Merino Cool from the latest Fall collection.

Any other Essie colour recommendations?  I can always be persuaded to buy more...

The Essentials

As a self-confessed beauty product and cosmetic junkie I have a myriad of lotions and potions.  I always have numerous hair sprays, lipsticks, moisturisers etc on the go at any one time.

However, there are those special few items that I will never be without.  The loves of my life in the cosmetic world.  The items I stress about if I potentially lose or use up and don't have a back up.

Let me introduce you to:

THE ESSENTIALS

Clockwise from left:

Sudocrem - The only thing that clears my skin up when I break out.  My saviour.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser - My daily essential to even out my skin tone.  Amazing on its own or as a base for foundation.

Olay Regenerist Thermal Skin Polisher - I should probably dedicated an entire post to this beauty.  Makes my skin feel incredible.

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - I've talked about this before - thoroughly rids your locks of a multitude of products, leaving your hair clean and full of life.

Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Moisturiser - This is the only moisturiser I've found that provides a matte but radiant finish whilst keeping my moisture levels topped up WITH an SPF.  This deserves a medal!

Seche Vite topcoat - I honestly won't do my nails without this.  No waiting around for half an hour for polish to try and leaves my nails so incredibly shiny.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 - I stopped using this for about 2 weeks and my skin went insane.  The moral of the story?  I will never be without this again!

Olay Eye Make Remover - My mum has used this for as long as I can remember and she turned me onto it a few years ago.  It just easily removes all my eye make up and doesn't sting my very sensitive eyes - all round winner!

Exfoliating Glove - Just turns any old shower gel into an exfoliator - perfect when my St Moritz turns me all patchy..

No 7 Créme Touch Powder - I have never tried MAC's MSF Natural (call myself a make up enthusiast?!) as  this provides me everything I want a powder to - slight coverage with a semi-matte finish that lasts hours.  I'm not taking the MAC off my to-buy list just yet though... ;)

If you want me to provide a full review for any of these, just let me know in the comments!  

As for me, I'm off to watch The Vampire Diaries.  Stefan, Damon, just how do you choose?!

Too much free time

OPI Mod About You

Pink Crystals - eBay

Sally Hansen Topcoat

Perfect Polish

A few weeks ago I had on my list - 'Sky Blue Nail Varnish'.....

I think I found just what I was looking for at ASDA of all places for a mere £1.50.

Sure, it's not perfect and takes a bit of patience when applying but for a quick pick me up it's fantastic and just what I fancied...

NOTD: Rose Libertine

This colour is just so delicious - I must have bought 5 or 6 bottles of it since it came out last year.  And that is saying something for a nail polish whore like me..!

It is such a fantastic colour, I never really know how to describe it?  Coral/peach/salmon?!  Either way, it's beautiful and I love it on my fingers and toes.

The application

It now comes with one of those snazzy '1 second' rounded brushes and it does make the application easier but it is by no means '1 second'.  A good three coats are needed but it does dry quickly so that isn't a great pain.

The price

The standard £3/£4 mark in Superdrug/Boots etc.

Overall

Definitely one of my all time favourites.  I always need this in my collection and always seem to get compliments when I decorate my nails with it!  A perfect Summer polish :)

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!!

NOTD: OPI vs Essie

Seeing as it is currently exam time for me, absolutely any activity is deemed more exciting than actually revising.  I have therefore spent many hours this week cleaning and painting my nails (as if I really need an excuse!)

I have always loved doing my nails but until I discovered the online beauty commnity I never really realised just how many different colour polishes there are out there.  Couple that with being in the UK and having a pretty limited range of drug store colours and you get someone who thought a purple polish is just a purple polish.  Well after realising the true extent of the colour range out there and finding my favourite eBay seller I now realise just how wrong I was....!

I therefore decided to see just how much difference there is between OPI's Done Out In Deco and Essie's Lilacism.

The result?  A pretty big difference -

The OPI is a lot darker and more of a grey toned purple whereas the Essie is what I see to be a true Lilac.  They are both beautiful colours but I think I am leaning more to the Essie if I'm honest... it's just that little bit more summery.

As for the the difference in brands?  They both come in at 15ml (0.5oz) and lasted pretty much the same amount of time on my nails with Seche Vite on top - some slight wear on the tips after a few days but no major chipping to note.  The major difference I found was with the brush - OPI's is much larger and although this allows for a smooth finish over all, the Essie allows for a more precise and neater application near the cuticles.

My overall opinion?  Essie wins this one - I prefer the colour, it's easier to apply and comes in cheaper (£2.70/$3.99 vs £3.40/$4.99).

Which colour do you prefer?!  Let me know!  Also are there any great Essie colour recommendations you have for me?!  I need to build up my collection!

xxx