Nails 2014 / Q1

I’ve been playing with glitters a lot, lately. 

I’m not a massive fan of glitter polishes, mainly because they are such a pain to remove; but I have a few in my collection so I took them out for a spin, these past few months.

I really like the 'tips dip' look. I feel it looks even better when it’s a couple of days old, uneven and a bit rough around the edges.

Zoya in Rina / Leighton Denny in Honey Trap

I took inspiration for this blue tutorial from Nouvelle Daily… Btw, I need to get my hands on Essie Aruba Blue… *gorgeous!*

Revlon Colorstay in Indigo Night / Essie in On A Silver Platter

Barry M in 354 Amethyst Glitter is so versatile and you can pair it with purples, pinks, blues... a really steal for a few pennies. 

Finally, big shout out to Simply Sarah - a classy lady with great taste and I was lucky enough to win her first Giveaway - Yay Me!!! ;)

... and remember to enter my current Giveaway here too!

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 :(

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?

Mini Haul

I've been intrigued by the Konad Stamping Nail Sets for a while but not enough to order a kit, I suppose.

Then, I read on a couple of blogs that a cheaper version had been spotted in Poundland recently so I went and got myself a chance at trying nail stamping, too - *exciting times*

I got to say it's quite fun and dead simple - I was worried the designs would be too cheesy but they are cute and wearable. Only criticism: some of the patterns are too big for my short nails so just need to adapt or use part of them.

Anyway, I'm glad I bought it - I'm definitively having some fun and getting creative. 

Rimmel 053 Apricot Punch - Bourjois no.17

I got this necklace in Primark - impulse buy but no question at £2. I like the native americans/tribal vibe with the feather and the turquoise and the rose gold heart is a nice addiction, too. 

Empties / January

***

Sanctuary Mandelular Sensuous Bath Creme - I've been loving this scent for years and years and I keep re-buying it.

Very comforting, ideal for a relaxing bubble bath and fills the bathroom for hours; but because it's so strong, I need to take 'breaks' from using it otherwise I would get sick of it. I actually bought this bottle last Christmas and I have just finished it now. Also, very moisturising on the skin.

Re-purchase: Absolutely!  

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover - Yes, I also got sucked into the hype around this product. It started well but the foam inside started to break after few uses... not sure if my bottle was faulty but not impressed!

I decided to finish it to take off my Christmas glitter polish but is definitely time for the bin now.

Re-purchase: Nope.

Renu Age Defence Balm SPF15 - this tiny sample lasted a week, actually.... maybe because it's pretty thick to be an hand cream.  Really like the smell and the fact that it has spf.

Re-purchase: Maybe.

MonuSpa Enriched Body Cream - again pretty small sample but first impression not too good: left a greasy residue on my skin. Smells lovely, tho.

Re-purchase: No.

Vinies Luminous Skin Mask - when this mask was sent in a beauty box, last year, many people didn't like it so I was able to grab few pots in swaps. I just finished the last one and - oh my god- I still love love love this mask! It does leave your skin red after use, but nothing terrifying in my experience... plus the results are incredible. The skin feels soft and purified and in fact I also used it as a pre-wedding treatment.

Re-purchase: Yes.

Boots Aqua Balance Hydrating Eye Cream - I bought this cream ages ago but then just put it at the back of the drawer, whilst trying other products. I decided it was time to finish it off and am I glad it's over! I can't say I enjoyed using it  - in fact I didn't even bother cutting up the tube to use every little drop. It did nothing for my eye area and, although it says it's for dry skin, I didn't think it was particularly moisturizing, either.

Repurchase: Definitely not!

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Night Moisturiser - pretty ordinary, inexpensive night cream but one of the best i have used - in fact my current favourite! It looks a bit thick and white when first applied but it sinks really well and it's the perfect amount of hydration for my needs. I highly recommend it!

Re-purchase: Yes.

Have you tried any of these products before?
What do you think?
xxx

Superdrug Mini Haul

Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect mascara: Samantha from  Pixiwoo is always raving about this mascara. I loved the idea of a motor which rotates the brush so I had to try it for myself.

I'm really liking it: the rotation movement helps to grab every single small lash and really lift them; also, the brush is super soft.

Only a piece of advise if you decide to buy it: check that it works! I bought one but then I had to return it because it wouldn't start. I took it back and the sales assistant tried ALL OF THEM in the shop and none worked so I had to go to another Superdrug and finally get a substitute. 

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover: but of course, everybody is going crazy over this wee pot and I had to experience the magic too! :)

There's a foam lining soaked in remover inside so you just dip & twist 1 finger at the time - simple!

This is some super-industrial-strength remover, for sure. I'm pretty amazed how quickly removes even the most stubborn polishes (glitter, I'm talking about you!).

The best part is that it's acetone and paraben free and it smells sweet, too.

double-dip

Sleek Pout Polish SPF15 in Peach Perfection: I've been wanting to try this lip balms for some time now but they are often out of stock in store.

I read that these are quite well pigmented and I wanted a light shade so I decide for Peach Perfection, in the end.

It's very glossy on the lips but not sticky, pretty moisturising and it has SPF - definitely, I will buy some more.

Thanks for reading!! :)

Delivery / SalonSkincare

Few months ago I received a voucher for £5 off when spending £40 at SalonSkincare.co.uk so I decided to take advantage of it and get Dr Brandt Pore no more.

I've been wanting to try this for some time because many beauty gurus on the web are raving about it - it seems it's also used on the red carpet!!!

Anyway, I had the chance to try it few times now and unfortunately, I'm not blown away.

It is a very good primer, makes your skin smooth but for the price (£39 BTW!!!) I was really expecting a miracle!

I can compare it to Benefit Porefessional, very very similar - you can also notice that from the swatch above, the consistency and colour are the same; pores are definitely camouflaged a bit but they don't disappear.

I'm thinking this product was GREAT a few years ago, before the Benefit version came out... and there was nothing better on the market. In fact, I think I heard it's going to be discontinued.

Sure, I'll keep using it and finish it off but this item will go in the regret buy pile.

I, also, bought The Natural Nail Company Shine File purely to reach 40quid for the discount but I'm enjoying using it. It's very good to smooth ridges and polish the nails.

Finally, they sent me samples of the Dr Brandt Detoxygen Experience which is a 2-step system: mask plus cream. I used it and really like it, I really felt it working hard but when I looked it up, I found it in the male category... not sure if it's also unisex... *confused*

Hope this was helpful... have you tried this product yourself? 

Nails of the week

Essie In Stitches & Barry M Shutter

are the beauty boxes going to be the end of Boots...

That thought came into my mind yesterday when I was clearing my wallet, checking old receipts and I found a whole bunch of Boots vouchers UNUSED!!! At first, I was puzzled since I always take full advantage of the quadruple points coupons and then - when trying to remember when was the last time I was in Boots - I couldn't remember. Finally yes, it was May - coincidently when the beauty boxes started in Uk... coincidence, well...

I can't get over the fact that I haven't felt the urge to browse and buy in Boots for 3 months and the only explanation is that I get my 'fix' with the monthly delivers.

I'll give you an example: last week I finished my body cream; usually, I would have a back up but this time - even knowing the bottle was nearly empty - I just didn't bothered since I had the body lotions from the boxes to test and review.

what do you think... have you notice if you have had less trips yourself? :)

Anyway, I did go in today but I only bought these mere pieces:

No7 Perfect Lips Pencil in Nude - I wanted to pick this up to use with my new Bobbi Brown nude lipstick (check a future post coming soon... exciting make up!!! :)) and was able to use £5 off voucher that they gave me at the till, so just paid £2.50 - bargain as it's a well review item.

Beauty Fixation Nail Polish Touchups by Japonesque - Boots new stocks a whole range of beauty 'helpers' (lip moisturiser, make up remover...); I'm going to try these first and see how they work, I like the practicality of the q-tips.

a
xx

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.