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!!

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

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?!

NOTD & A Product Rave

I applied my new beaut of a purchase Mod About You to compliment my dress for the ball on Friday.  It was slightly thicker than some of my other polishes and did need a good two coats but I am in lurrrrrrve with the finished product....

It provides the most beautiful milky, baby pink colour that makes your hands look gorgeous.  I can't believe I waited so long to purchase this?!

I also cannot believe I waited so long to buy Seche Vite topcoat....it is amazing.  I never really believed all the hype about it but it is honestly fantastic.  I painted it straight over a wet second coat of Mod About You and before I knew it my nails were as dry as a bone and gorgeously shiny.  It does have a very strong smell of chemicals but I can get over that easily.  It really is a miracle product and will mean no more imprints of my bed sheets on my talons - bloody brilliant!

All the way from the U S of A

I placed another little order with my favourite eBay seller - BeautyZone2007

I refuse to pay the extortionate UK RRP for OPI etc so I always order from this seller.  The items are shipped so quickly and always packed well....big thumbs up from me!

I was therefore so excited when I got back from a weekend away and found a little package waiting for me holding these goodies...

I desperately needed some new false eyelashes for nights out but I hate spending £5 a pop when I always end up losing them after one too many...  I was contemplating ordering from Eldora but the only reviews I have read seem to be from people who were sent them free so I'm not sure whether to completely trust them or not..?  Has anyone actually PAID for Eldora?!

I therefore decided to go with a name you can trust and picked these Ardell lovelies for around the £2 mark...

These 110s are made from 100% human hair and are lovely flirty, natural looking lashes - perfect for some subtle extra length.

These 105s are also 100% human hair but are from the 'Glamour' range - i.e. longer, thicker and bloody gorgeous!  I can't wait to wear these on a night out and hopefully be good and not lose them...!

We only seem to have available a few styles of Ardell lashes here in the UK and they are in black packaging.  I'm not sure whether these are in old packaging or this is just how they look in the US?  If anyone could enlighten me I'd be very grateful!

Also, these lashes do not come with glue so if anyone was to order them, add some DUO to you basket too!

Next up - the polishes...

L-R: OPI Mod About You; Seche Vite Top Coat; Essie Mint Candy Apple

I have wanted Mod About You for as long as I can remember as well as Seche Vite, so these two are long overdue purchases.  As for the Mint Candy Apple - with a name like that, who could resist?!  I thought this was from their Art of Spring collection but turns out it is a permanent colour - I really can't wait to try this out.

Expect some NOTD posts coming soon...!

What has everyone else bought recently??  Link me to your hauls so I can have a gander!

xxx