Nails 2013 / Q3

A collection of nail looks (don't think they classify as nail art) from the last quarter of the year… I'm not super creative when it comes to nails but nails are always a popular subject… let me know if you like this type of posts! :)

Played with a bit of french manicure here:

Revlon Top Speed in 607 Hazy as base and Revlon ColourStay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night for the tips. 

Blue polishes are my absolute favourites!

Execution leaves a bit to be desired but I think the matte/glossy combo looks fantastic!
I used Nails Inc in Lily from the Gossip Girl Collection; I don't really like Nails Inc polishes because they take ages to dry but I got to say that this colour lasted well and it's still fluid after few years. For the matte coat - I used Rimmel Matte Finish Top Coat.

I like the liquid sand effect of OPI What Wizardry Is This? It gives such foolproof results, especially if you're in a hurry. I added Pupa Lasting Colour Gel in 18 Delicate Crimson on my ring finger for a pop of colour.

Finally, a Christmasy look: I used a Ted Baker Gold colour from last year giftset and Essence Happy Holidays Nail Sweets that my sister brought me from Italy :)

I've also been using these Revlon Quick Dry Top Coats - one is a 'proper' transparent polish, whilst the second are drops. I like them both equally and don't smudge. I've used Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops in the past (which I like a lot!) and definitely recommend these too, for a cheaper alternative.

p.s.: sorry for the poor quality of these photos. Something went wrong when I uploaded them and I've already deleted them from the memory card :(

Nails 2013 / Q2

Essie Nail Lacquer in 47 Sexy Divide

Few weeks ago, I decided I wanted another Essie but I was overwhelmed by the choice in Boots.

I didn't want to get a dupe so after going through my collection, I realised I needed a purple.

AND-WHAT-A-PURPLE! What a stunning shade - very pleased with it!

teamed with Denny Leighton in Hanky-Panky

teamed with OPI What Wizardry Is This?

Been wanting to try the caviar look for ages - I used a MUA as a cheaper alternative to the OPI. 

Personally, I think it's just too high maintenance: the beads started to fall off within hours so I added a clear top coat and then it looked like all the beads melted together. Not happy! :(

Base: SAlly Hansen HD Hi-Definition Nail Colour in 14 Spectrum

Still loving the L'Oreal Colour Rich Top Coat Confetti... the fastest way to an effortless nail look!

Favourite combo? But with corals, of course.

teamed with Kiko Celebration Nail Lacquer in 419 Coral Red

Empties / August

Body Products:

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Bath & Shower Gel: I've been saving this up for a while but it has now sadly come to an end. :(

You would think that it smells like honey but it actually has a fresh scent of oranges. It's very moisturising and all round good for your skin. Also for a good cause - Full review here

Repurchase: yes.

Sally Hansen Moisturising Polish Remover: I really like this remover! It contains Pro-Vitamin B5 and it does deliver on the moisturization part because it doesn't dry my cuticles or leave my nails flaky. This bottle also last ages and it's well priced at £2.45.

Repurchase: yep!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops: another Sally Hansen item and favourite of mine. This product also lasted a long time, so long that I think it's actually discontinued now... what a shame! They do the top coat version but I prefer the drops, really. Easy to use and never had any issues with nail polish smudging.

Repurchase: I wish! :(

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: Finished another tub - I have already featured it recently here

Repurchase: yes.

Face Products:

Nivea Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion: I use cleansing milk&toner combo every morning because I don't want to use anything too aggressive. I like the Nivea ones, I have tried a few plus they are not expensive; It's a lovely cleanser but can't say that it stands out for any particular reason but I can't say anything bad about it either. :)

Repuchase: maybe, I like to try different ones too so it could be a while...

Ren Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel: Love this eye cream! It's perfect for summer too because it's a gel and I like to keep mine in the fridge. It absorbs well, doesn't interfere with the concealer and nicely hydrating.

Repurchase: oh yes, this is my third one :)

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask: it's your typical clay mask but - apart from the price - I don't see anything special about it. It's lovely sure and it purifies the skin nicely, but I can name another half a dozen masks that perform the same way, without the outrageous price tag.

Repurchase: nope.

Make Up:

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in shade# 5: this is just a sample but here goes my two cents. It's a lovely foundation! It's nearly imperceptible on the skin but it uniforms the skintone beautifully. Personally, I like the dewy look but I still need to powder on top, otherwise it wouldn't last very long.

Why it's not an amazing foundation? Because I've fallen in love with the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup SPF15 Foundation! 

Repurchase: don't think so, I want the Maestro!

Empties / July

Body:

Clarins High Definition Body Lift: a favourite of mine, I have gone through a couple of these already. It absorbs fast and doesn't feel sticky on the skin. It's pricey but it's one of the few creams where I can actually see some improvement. It smells lovely and floraly too and comes with a booklet with massaging tips.

Repurchase: probably, like a treat due to the price.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Cuticle & Nail Refiner: I've been using it once every fortnight; it's pretty gritty and an high duty exfoliant and a little goes a long way but I can't say it made any significant difference to the appearance of my cuticles.

Repurchase: probably not.

Percy & Reed Totally TLC Hydrating Mask: Definitely in my Top5 of favourite hair masks; I got it for free in a magazine... added bonus. I love how soft it leaves my hair and it's pretty fast acting in 10 minutes; I'm just not too crazy about the 'manly' scent.

Repurchase: yes.

The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub: I'm not a huge fan of The Body Shop, if I'm honest and I can't say to shop there regularly but their body scrubs are my absolute favourites. They are good value for money, they are just the right consistency for my liking and come in so many beautiful scents; Talked about the pink grapefruit one here.

Repurchase: Hell Yeah!

Face:

L'Oreal Perfect Clean Foaming Cream Wash - Soothing: this is actually not finished but I have had it for ages and when I tried to use it again it stung my face... I think it may have gone off, better safe than sorry!
I remember I quite liked this and the wee brush too - there are a couple of different ones and the blue, I liked it even better, very refreshing on the skin. I can recommend this but I'm not sure if I would repurchase, simply because I tend to spend a bit more money on face cleansers nowadays.
Repurchase: see above.
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream: nope - Balance Me just doesn't blow me away; I have tried few different products now but I'm once again underwhelmed. It's an ok cream but not moisturizing enough, for my needs. I was pretty glad to finish it off, actually.
Repurchase: no.
Ren Keep Young And Beautiful SH2C Serum: same as above - Underwhelmed! There are maybe 2 products from this brand that I like but the rest just disappointed me. This serum also broke me out so definitely thumbs down in this case.
Repurchase: no.
Yes to Cucumber Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towellets: I use face wipes to remove most of my make up before the gym and then I do a deep cleanse before bed. These served me pretty well: they are a handy travel size and stayed moist until the end (hate when wipes dry out mid-pack!). Scent is not annoying and not harsh on the skin.
Repurchase: yes.
St. Ives Apricot Scrub Invigorating: LoveLoveLove! Who doesn't like the St. Ives scrub, let's be honest?!
I love everything - from the apricot scent to the exfoliating particles to the price! It does the job and it does it well, it's easily available on the high street and convenient.
Repurchase: yep!

Have you tried any of these products?

Postman always rings twice

Nothing creep guys, hehe - got a second delivery today, just a bunch of body products bought in stock from abroad.








- ROC i've used them before and I know they works, can really see a difference on my thighs and bum;
- Dove don't think these have been release in the UK, so any comment is welcome. One is firming and the other for bust area - I find it so hard to find chest cream in Great Britain and use it twice a day so I also got one from No 7;
- finally Sally Hansen lately I've really rough cuticles and ridges on my nails so I thought I have a specific product a go.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Update 24/04/11: nail and cuticles cream seems to work; can definitely see an improvement after one application.