Glowing Everyday Beauty

I love glowy makeup all year round, particularly in Winter when I need a little help to brighten my complexion... here are my current go-to products for instant everyday radiance.

Applied under foundation, Amazing Cosmetics' new Illuminate Primer in Glow adds a subtle radiance that catches the light in a very natural way. As I'm greedy for the glow, I like to use it both under and over foundation, patting a little onto tops of cheekbones and browbones. This adds a silvery white highlight that works particularly well on pale skin, adding a naturally luminous effect rather than high-beam highlight. This sheer, water based formula - also available in Rose and Bronze - is more about brightening the complexion than prolonging your makeup.

Clarins Everlasting Cushion foundation adds a light to medium veil of hydrating coverage with SPF 50. This is the first cushion product I've tried and while initially sceptical, I love how quick and easy it is to use, allowing me to do my base in seconds. It applies well with the compact, a brush or beauty blender, though I find a brush works best. Coverage is lightweight and buildable, leaving a natural looking skinlike finish with a little glow. I'm not sure about the everlasting claims but the light compact with built in mirror is so perfect for touch ups that I'm happy to let that slide. (I have the shade 103 Ivory)

Trish McEvoy Liquid Face Colour is my new blush crush: a sheer liquid formula in a pretty pink twist-up, brush-on tube. The soft pinky peach tones of Shade 1 bring life to my cheeks, instantly adding a wide-awake, post-forest-walk effect. The formula is easier to apply than most and so much more flattering and forgiving than powder.

I tend to wear lipgloss a lot in Winter... it has a similar effect to highlighter in adding a little life to the face and Pixi Lip Lift Max is an old favourite that I always go back to. Worn alone, with liner or over lipstick, it plumps, smooths and just works. I veer between this and Sheer Rose, a beautiful dusky pink in the same formula.

Daytime glitter is totally a thing, especially on the cusp of party season - and it doesn't come much prettier than Topshop nail polish in Unicorn. This coats nails with rainbow micro glitter in a sheer peach base for subtle sparkle on nude nails or layered up to make a deeper shade twinkle.

A citrus scent may seem an odd choice for a November perfume, but I can't get enough of Pomelo Paradis - and as it makes me glow from the inside, I felt it appropriate to include here! Atelier Cologne recently opened a counter in my local House of Fraser (Belfast) and the first time I spritzed this on counter it made me smile so much it had to be mine. With notes of pomelo, orange blossom and vetiver, I can't imagine a more feel good scent!

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples & purchases and some links are affiliate. See my full disclaimer here.

SensatioNail Express vs Original Gel Nail Kit

The SensatioNail home gel nail kit was (to my knowledge) the first of its kind to launch in the UK several years ago. I've been using it regularly ever since, can't fault it and would probably include it in my top 10 beauty favourites of all time... reflected in my numerous posts and tutorials here. As someone who can't bear chipped nails, I love waking up to a perfect glossy mani daily for around two weeks - or until I get bored wearing the same colour. 

Over the last couple of months I've been testing the new SensatioNail Express Kit and thought it might be useful to compare the two and explain the main differences between them. 

The biggest selling point of the Express Kit is its simplicity. Essentially a one step gel polish system, all you need is an LED lamp and a bottle of Express Gel polish. It also comes with a buffer and orange stick, which I mostly use for clean up. That's it. 

Two coats of the polish are applied like regular nail polish, each cured under the LED lamp (comes on automatically when you put your hand in) for 30 seconds and that's you done... an instantly dry, touch-proof glossy manicure that lasts 7-10 days (according to SensatioNail). 

This pic shows me wearing two coats of SensatioNail Express in Red Your Profile (please excuse the pathetically short nails when this was taken). In my experience, the colour lasts more like 3-5 days, though to be fair I'm very hard on nail polish and most non-gel manicures only last me 2-3 days, regardless of brand or top coat. For me, this is a quick fix solution, as the name suggests.

So how does Express compare to the original?

This is what you get in the original SensatioNail Starter Kit (deluxe version pictured, with an extra colour). This application process involves multiple steps: primer, base coat, 2 x colour, top coat and cleanser - which takes me around 40 minutes. 

This pic was taken the first time I used the kit several years ago - can you sense the concentration?!

My favourite and most worn SensatioNail shade, Dusk til Dawn, sadly discontinued, though similar are available in both ranges. The original SensatioNail manicure lasts me for a solid two weeks. That's the difference. The extra steps mean it lasts longer on my nails, so if I want the colour to last, this is what I'll use. 

Initially, I was disappointed at the lasting power of my mani when using the Express Kit as the colour only stayed chip-free for several days, even when I did all the prep steps. I now 'get' that it's not supposed to compare to the whole shebang... it's a faster, more simple process for a quick, short term, instant manicure. I have continued to use it numerous times as find it so handy to have a perfect mani in minutes that I know will last all weekend at least - and have often been found applying it in the last few precious moments before a taxi arrives. For longer lasting results, I'll continue to use the original kit - or perhaps try the base/top coat with the Express. 

If I had to choose one SensatioNail kit, I'd personally go for the original Starter Kit as although a bit of a faff to apply, I find the application and results foolproof. If you already own the kit or like to switch shades regularly, it's worth trying the Express... just be realistic about your expectations. 

SensatioNail Express and original gel kits and colours are available at Boots. 

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples & purchases and some links are affiliate. See my full disclaimer here.

Soigne Botanique AW 2016

I've been trying out the Autumn Winter range by luxury French nail brand, SOIGNÉ Botanique and am impressed by the shades, formula and packaging. The SOIGNÉ formula does not contain any harmful carcinogens, is 5-free and each polish includes up to 85% plant-sourced raw materials.

I'm going to use the brand's own colour descriptions as even these are charming (clockwise from top left)...

1. Poussière d'ortie, meaning “nettle dust”, a unique green, reminds us of the faded foliage of summer time. 
2. Mica is a sophisticated mineral-grey, a cooling shade to compliment the deep tones of your autumn wardrobe. 
3. Papillon De Nuit is a playful, pumpkin-leaf green to add a burst of colour and a hint of mischief to any outfit.
4. Nuit Radieuse is a unique shade of gunpowder grey, reminiscent of the dark blanket of the night sky and mysterious moonlit shadows. (I'd describe this as a dark teal)
5. Robe Velours is a deep and mysterious purple, reflecting the luxurious garments of winter. 
6. Ombre Solaire, meaning “solar shadow”, is a burnt orange, reminiscent of autumnal sunsets and crisp, fallen leaves. 

I find that these polishes apply very smoothly and evenly in two coats and the sophisticated simplicity of the bottle design really appeals to me. 

The only shades I personally wouldn't wear are the orange and lime ones, though I do think they could look incredible on deeper skin tones and like that SOIGNÉ hasn't played it too safe with these collections. My personal favourites are the two greens, both of which you can see me wearing here (Poussière d'ortie) and here (Nuit Radieuse). 

The above shades and a vast range of pastels and brights are available at soignenails.com



Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

Travel Beauty: the products I took on holiday

Today I'm spilling the beans on the actual products I packed for our Summer holiday. This is not the time to introduce anything new, no matter how cute that mini moisturiser is. I learnt this the hard way and now stick to products that I know my skin can tolerate (holiday breakouts suck). I bought travel bottles in Boots and Muji to dispense my regulars, but didn't need them in the end.  

I actually thought I'd traveled quite light until I lined everything up for these pics. Oops.

As there are so many products (and it's one minute to midnight), I'm going to do a quick run through of what was inside. Please just ask if you'd like further info on any of them.

I *sort of* grouped them into categories in the above pic, so will use this one as a guide, starting top left.

SKINCARE

• Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (mine was travel size) - I've done multiple posts on this already; it's pretty much cleansing perfection in my eyes and great for holiday as the formula is effective yet light and rinses off easily.
• Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing towelettes (just out of shot) - I was on holiday and the odd night we had more than one glass of French wine. It's allowed. Full review here.
• Pixi Glowtion Daydew - moisturiser with built in glow in a lightweight tube with a pump. Travel perfection. I use this at home mixed with my regular moisturiser, but it was perfect teamed with SPF. 
• Vichy Aqualia Thermal Awakening Eye Balm - beautifully hydrating eye serum with hyaluronic acid, absolutely love this Summer staple.
• Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover - full disclosure, I filled this empty bottle with Vichy bi-phase eye makeup remover. Both work well on waterproof mascara; Clinique has the edge but Vichy is a bit cheaper.
• Balance Me Congested Skin Serum - I found this alternative very soothing in the evenings on a face that doesn't tend to like holidaying.

EXTRAS

• Jo Malone London Nashi Blossom Cologne is now officially my scent of Biarritz... beautifully crisp and fresh on hot skin (full review). The slim 30ml bottles are perfect for travel. I can't find this recent limited edition online, so keep an eye out in store. 
• Nails Inc Gel Effect polish in Charlotte Villas has been on my toes all Summer, a gorgeous vibrant rich orange. It replaced another fave, Barry M Molten Metal in Copper Mine which moved up to my finger nails. I didn't actually get a chance to paint my nails until we arrived (I know, who am I?!), so also packed Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover for Hands & Feet.
• Dentalux toothpaste is one of Lidl's new collection of well priced travel minis (is it just me that thinks most regular brands hike the prices of these?). Next to it are two little sachets of Vita Coco Coconut Oil, which doubles for a hair and skin quencher and ear plugs in case the hotel neighbours get rowdy (they didn't).

BODY

• Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum - yep I bring self tan on holiday as I wear a high SPF and don't like to sunbathe for too long (my days of sunrise to sunset baking are long gone and yep, the damage does appear when you get older). This one gives the most deliciously natural deep golden tan. 
• Sure compact deodorant 'cos of the handy size really.
• Soap & Glory Clean On Me body wash and Righteous Body Butter miniatures as they're my favourites from the line and smell SO good.
• Weleda Wild Rose Shower Gel in case I ran out (!!) - smells gorgeous - worth checking out the minis that Weleda release regularly. Love 'em all, great for sensitive skin too.
• Clarins Radiance Plus Body Golden Glow Booster - I meant to lift the one for face and actually packed this by mistake, but used it on my face anyway! Mix with moisturiser or serum for a subtle golden glow in the morning - I need at least 6 drops to see a very natural looking difference at this time of year.

HAIR

• Toni & Guy Shampoo and Conditioner from a travel set (which I can't find online, sorry)
• Philip Kingsley Smooth Cream - a styling cream with sunscreen that smells great, adds shine and helps fight frizz.
• Kerastase Elixir Ultime - not photographed as I had a mini tub which I used up and absolutely loved, one of the richest hair masks I've tried, great for sun parched hair. Will treat myself to the full size one day (eep, just spied it on offer here).

Well done if you're still with me - that was a whopper!

I haven't included makeup or we'd be here all day, but poured everything into the main compartment to show that I really could have fitted it into the additional pockets of the very gorgeous, sunshine-y Orla Kiely Sunset Floral large wash bag. It also has a zipped mesh pocket on the front and two small interior pouches. 

I brought very little makeup and used a separate bag to spread out the weight in my suitcase - or that's my excuse anyway! You can see which sunscreens I packed in this post.



Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples and purchases. See my full disclaimer here.

The Spring Nail Edit

My taste in nail polish fluctuates so much with the seasons... I literally can't abide corals, hot pinks and pastels in Winter, yet adore them in Spring when I suddenly yearn to inject pops of colour into my wardrobe, home, lips, nails - you name it. 

Spring colours are all about the feel good factor when we glance down at a bright glossy mani. I've edited my nail picks down to six, with two brights, two pastels and a metallic. If you're not a fan of bright fingernails, these look equally good on toes. 

That perfect powder blue on my thumb is Royal Ascot by True Brit London, beautifully packaged luxe polishes made with elderflower & white rose, vitamin E and natural flower oils. These are 9-free (no nasties so they're nail-kind) and this grown up pastel will look gorgeous with a tan. 

I'm a big fan of Topshop nail polishes and Nails in Hayden, a dark teal blue, is part of a collection inspired by Topshop's SS16 denim. I absolutely love this shade and know I'll be wearing it lots this Spring/Summer... I have it on in this pic. (Love the look of the actual matching jeans too, esp the metallic ones!) 

Barry M's new Molten Metal collection is basically liquid metal in nail polish form... Bronze Bae is my top pick, with Copper Mine coming in a close second. See me wearing Bronze Bae on all of my nails here. The application and finish of these is dreamy.

If you love mega brights then Vinyle by Kure Bazaar is the one. The intensity of this shade verges on neon coral while remaining classy... I've been wearing it on my toes the past month and as always, the eco-natural Kure formula is gorgeous. 

I've been reaching for Nails Inc Gel Effect in Soho Gardens when I want a quiet-yet-not-nude mani. This mauve toned pastel pink is enriched with hydrating coconut water, but best of all, it's really pretty and sophisticated.

Sorry that I ran out of fingers to swatch Rosie Fortescue for Nailed London in Citron-Ella, but trust me, this is the best pastel lemon I've tried and the smooth, glossy formula is excellent... I'll definitely be trying more from this line. 

So I know I said my edit was down to six, but I was scrolling through instagram just now and spied a few more beauts I've been wearing that deserve a mention here... Dolce & Gabbana Turquoise (insta swatch), coralicious Essie Tart Deco (insta), China Glaze EverGlaze What's the Coral-ation (insta) and the divine Barry M Lolly Gloss (insta).

Which nail colours do you like in Spring?

Barry M Spring 2016 Swatches

Nail polish is a no brainer when it comes to cutting corners in the save vs splurge beauty debate. In the past, sophisticated colour ranges (ok and blingy bottles) have enticed me to fork out the extra for a luxury nail polish, rather than huge discrepancies in formula over more affordable ones. This is definitely starting to change as budget brands up their game and Barry M's Spring 2016 collection is just one that includes a colour spectrum of subtle tones that compete with the best. The Gelly Hi Shine and Speedy Quick Dry line ups include beautiful nudes that even pale hands like mine can pull off.

(I've been getting eye rolls from my daughter for photographing this collection for the third time in an effort to capture the colours accurately - fusspot, moi?)

SWATCHES

Barry M Gelly Shine Spring 2016

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine: Cream Soda, Butterscotch Sundae, Pink Lemonade, Acai Smoothie

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine is a well pigmented, thick glossy formula that looks good in two coats, though you may prefer three for some pastel shades.

Cream Soda, a buttermilk off white, is pretty worn alone or as a base for nail art. Pink Lemonade is right up my street - a pastel dusky pink with a vintage vibe that's neither too girly or too grey - perfect for everyday.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Spring 2016

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing: Pinking Out Loud, Bug-a-Blue, Empire State of Mint

In terms of application, I think Sunset Daylight Curing are my favourite as they go on super smoothly. The colour 'cures' in daylight giving a high shine finish and comes off with regular nail polish remover. The new Spring brights are pretty, though a touch sugary for me and I'd probably restrict to toes unless I was really tanned. There's also a beaut orange red called All The Things She Red that sadly smashed en route to me - it would be my pick of the bunch in terms of colour and I must grab another when I'm in Boots. You can see my daughter sporting Bug a Blue here - a pretty sky blue, which I think my skin is too pale to carry off. This line comes with its own top coat for extra long wear, though you can get away with your regular top coat.

Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Spring 2016

Barry M Speedy Quick Dry: Winning Streak, In a Flash, Freestyle, Personal Best

The Speedy Quick Dry shades are very pretty though I do find that this formula often requires 3 coats to get rid of streaks and feels a little less fluid in application. This could be due to powders or thickeners that boost its drying time... I'm just guessing here! It does dry quickly and the colours look great once they're on. Pastel peach In a Flash is my pick of the bunch, one of the few nudes I've tried that flatters my skin tone and doesn't give me mannequin hands.

Barry M nail polishes are among my most used and definitely give luxury brands a run for their money. Once these are on your nails, no-one is gonna know the difference between them and a polish that costs 4 times the price. While this doesn't stop me from enjoying a high end polish from time to time, these absolutely stand on their own two feet and are the perfect pick me up. Damson, a rich cobalt blue, is one of my most worn polishes ever and pretty much a constant on my Summer toes.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine, Speedy Quick Dry & Sunset Daylight Curing are available in these shades at Boots (buy one get second half price). 

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples and purchases. See my full disclaimer here.

SensatioNail Polish to Gel Transformer: Review + Tutorial

I've used Nailene's SensatioNail home gel kit since it first launched a few years ago. As someone who is tough on manicures, you can't beat the feeling of waking up to perfectly glossy, chip-free nails every morning. I don't use it all the time and own an embarrassing number of regular polishes too, so was excited to hear of the latest SensatioNail launch, a Polish to Gel transformer that converts any nail polish into a gel polish. 

Essentially, this is a bottle of clear gel polish (with magic ingredients, obvs) that can be used as a top coat or mixed with nail polish and cured under an LED lamp for a long lasting mani. Beginners to gel manis (or SensatioNail) will need to invest in the Polish to Gel Starter Kit to use this. If you already own a SensatioNail kit, there's no need to buy the full shebang; the little bottle of transformer can be bought separately and will work with your original lamp. 

WHAT'S IN THE KIT?

Everything you need to do a gel mani, except the nail polish you mix it with, which you presumably already own (only about six shoe boxes full, and that's after donating around 1/3 of it, oops).

• An LED lamp with magnetic removable base so that you can use it for pedis, clever! This is the new lamp, which cures in half the time of the original one, is extra compact and powers via plug or usb lead (inc). 
• Gel Primer
• Gel Cleanser
• Polish to Gel Transformer
• Cleansing Wipes
• Mixing pot (with lid)
• Buffer
• Orange stick

HOW DOES IT WORK?

There are two methods: one quick and easy; one more time consuming but worth the effort in my opinon. 

1. Top Coat - quick & easy

• Paint nails as normal
• Allow to dry completely (not just touch dry, so 30-60 mins minimum)
• Apply Polish to Gel Transformer as top coat
• Cure under LED lamp for 15 seconds
• Wipe clean with Gel Cleanser (to remove sticky moisture layer)
• DONE. 

2. Mixing Method - long haul

This works on the same principle as any gel manicure and taking the time to prep nails properly will contribute around 50% to the lasting power of your mani. If you're used to a home gel kit, this will be second nature, but will take time to get used to otherwise. Totally worth it. 

• Push back cuticles with orange stick
• File and buff nails
• Wash hands
• Apply Gel Cleanser - to remove traces of oil, moisture and dust
• Apply Gel Primer - optional, will help manicure last longer
• Apply Base Coat - optional, will help manicure last longer. Can use original base coat or Transformer
• Cure 15 seconds under LED lamp
• Mix 6 drops of chosen nail polish with 6 drops of Gel Transformer
• Apply two layers of colour, curing each for 30 seconds
• Apply top coat
• Apply Gel Cleanser

That sounds like a lot of steps but each one takes seconds and the whole process takes me around 40 minutes. I tried both of these methods, with and without basecoat and found that the long haul Mixing Method helped my manicure last as long as a regular gel mani - 10-14 days. The Top Coat method chipped more easily than expected, though this may have been because my nails were so short when I used it that I couldn't cap the edges. 

TOP TIPS

• Use a piece of tin foil (or cling film) to line the mixing pot to save mess and cleaning. 
• Cap each layer of polish, painting along the free edge of the nail for an extra strong finish. 
• Use a much thicker layer of Polish to Gel Transformer as top coat than your average top coat for a shiny finish (mine was quite dull before I did this). Alternatively you can use the regular SensatioNail top coat, which is mega glossy. 
• Avoid quick dry (don't cure as well) or sheer (will look too sheer) nail polishes for the Mixing Method. Opaque colours work best. 
• If in doubt about equal quantities, add an extra drop of Transformer. 
• Mix really well; don't be half hearted about it or the formula won't peform or cure correctly. 
• As with any gel mani, tidy up any mistakes before you cure. Polish on the skin or cuticles will cause the edges to lift and chip. 

MY MANI

I've tried this system twice now (testing different methods on different fingers/hands) and used Essie polishes both times. This one is Essie Bahama Mama, one of my favourite shades. I think it looks pretty good even if I do say so myself! 

So who is this kit for?

Anyone who enjoys a long lasting mani will appreciate this and it's a great way to use up neglected polishes. I think it will be particularly good for nail art... if you're going to all that trouble, may as well make it last! I have quite a lot of SensatioNail colours, but often wished I could give some of my favourite nail polishes the same lasting power - and now I can. 

In case you're curious, using gels occasionally hasn't caused my nails any damage... I'm very careful not to over buff and gentle with removal, both of which help. I'm also religious about hand cream and cuticle oil and do give my nails a break between polish (regular and gel).

SensatioNail Polish to Gel Transformer Starter Kit is available now at Boots. 

Fancy trying a kit like this or all sound like too much faff?

Currently Using: Show & Tell

I've gathered up some of the beauty products I've been reaching for lately for a bit of a show and tell, including new releases, a limited edition and a blogger-inspired purchase. I'll chat about them in the order they appear above, just to keep things tidy...

I first heard about Fairydrops via fellow mascara enthusiast, Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup. This Japanese best seller has quickly risen to cult status, egged on by the cutest product name ever and that gorgeous pink metallic packaging. So what about the contents? This mascara gives me good length, volume and curl with impressive lasting power. The formula is quite thick, so I remove any excess from the wand before use or keep a lash comb at hand (I use this Makeup Atelier one). Originally hard to get hold of in the UK, Fairydrops is now in stock at BeautyMart.

Soap & Glory has a pretty impressive line of brow products to suit every style and I'm really enjoying their newest, Archery Brow Putty, for a naturally groomed look. A double ended wand, the brush is dipped into a mini 'pot' at the bottom (like a second lid), filled with solid 'putty'. The flat side of the brush can be used to quickly fill in large areas, or fine, hair-like strokes can be drawn on with the firm, sharp edge. Soap & Glory Archery Brow Putty is currently on offer here (I use the middle shade, Brownie Points).

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer is (yet another) blogger-enabled purchase and totally deserving of the hype. A twist-up mechanism releases product into the brush to brighten the under eye area, tops of cheekbones and brow bones. An illuminating concealer, this isn't for use on blemishes, but offers light coverage and a more awake effect where needed. I use the shade Light, which is perfect for me. It doesn't disturb the foundation underneath and gives similar effect to much pricier alternatives (YSL Touche Eclat I'm looking at you).

By Terry Rose de Baume has forever been on my radar as my friend Val raved about it long before a gazillion beauty bloggers did. I couldn't justify treating myself to such a luxurious lip balm, so was over the moon to receive this as a press gift. Gold Baume de Rose Parure Lip Balm is infused with 24K gold, Rose Flower Essential Wax, Rose Water and Vitamin E. It contains particles of fine pink and gold shimmer which look so pretty on the lips - alone or over a nude lipstick - while keeping them beautifully soft and literally smelling of roses! This was a limited edition but there are still a few available at Net a Porter and Very Exclusive.

I've been loving Bee Good Lift & Brighten Eye Cream in the mornings or when my eyes are feeling particularly tired and sensitive as I find it very soothing to use and love the chubby pump bottle. Part of the Youth Enhancing range, this is particularly aimed at mature skin to plump, address circles and improve elasticity. I love that it's also available in a 5ml travel size for just £8, a perfect way to try it out. I noticed that Bee Good suggest adding this to fine lines around the lips, something I always do with any excess eye cream on my fingers.

I'm a fairly recent Jessica Nails convert and love every shade I've tried by them so far. Blue Moon is a delicious deep navy with sapphire shimmer running through it and looks very sophisticated on the nails. You can see me wearing it on Instagram here. One half the Truest of Blues set, it's paired with a gorgeous cobalt called Blue Skies, which I'm wearing in this pic.

Pixi Beauty has mastered the art of glowing skin and Glowtion Day Dew is my newest obsession. A lightweight moisturiser that delivers instant glow, this leaves my skin with a pretty, non sparkly sheen... think healthy looking skin in a tube. A tube with a pump - win! Worn under makeup, this gives a similar effect to radiance primers for that lit from within look (sorry, no better way to describe it). I reach for this on days when I can't be bothered with two steps of moisturiser + glowy primer or for an extra boost, with a small pump mixed into my regular moisturiser. I need to do a post comparing Pixi's Glow Wonders. Everybody needs at least one in their life.

Which product(s) do you keep going back to?

Festive Glitter Nails

Ready to get your sparkle on? Whether you fancy treating yourself or someone else, here are a few of my favourite festive glitter nail polishes…

Nails Inc Festive Cracker includes 3 mini 5ml polishes in seasonal shades: York Row - red and gold glitter top coat, Buckingham Terrace - deep wine red and St Johns Avenue - nude. The wine + glitter combo looks SO Christmassy on, though the glitter looks just as pretty over the nude shade, so I think this set will work well all year around. Bonus!

I’ve posted some pics of these gorgeous new Kure Bazaar glitters on instagram recently (swatches and on my nails). The gold shade, Crazy is particularly stunning, with vivid gold shards that look like golden sprinkles in 1 coat and add complete coverage in 2-3. Strass is a sophisticated dark blue that looks great on tips, over white or silver. Kure Bazaar polishes are 85% natural and toxin-free. Rose gold glitter, Diva is next on my list!

A peel off base coat is also available, though I find that the cheaper NYC one works equally well. Both allow you to apply glitter polish as normal, then peel it off when you wish; no faffing with removal. In terms of lasting power, I find that they work best used alone with glitter, rather than with a layer of polish in between.

I think Essie Summit of Style is my favourite glitter ever, with large bronze flakies that can be stroked sparsely on tips for a gold leaf effect, or applied all over for a densely packed finish that’s as glittery as it gets, yet remains sophisticated. Not easy to find these days, it’s still available here, where I bought my bottle for the princely sum of £2.49! (Deep blue glitter, Stroke of Brilliance is the same price.)

I discovered Magic Effects Liquid Sequin polish when I was doing some work with Avon recently and fell head over heels with ‘Dazzle’ - bronze micro glitter with large fuchsia pieces in a sheer purple base - you can see pics of it on my nails here.

Jessica Phenom nail polish and top coat are impressively long lasting, shiny formulas and this little kit works out at great value (saving £10) if you fancy giving them a go. It includes base coat, a Phenom polish and Phenom Finale Shine top coat. Mine is the shade Caviar Dreams, a gorgeous blackened teal, which I swatched on my instagram. I think my next mani will be this with Essie Summit of Style glitter tips. Also available in 5 other shades here.

And finally, there’s no point in pretty nails without pretty cuticles and Margaret Dabbs Fabulous Cracker contains a bottle of her intensive Nail and Cuticle Treatment Serum to keep yours in tip top condition. Central heating and cold weather wreak havoc on mine at this time of year and I need to treat them twice a day to keep them looking semi acceptable.

What’s New (Puss) in Boots?

I can often be found stalking the Beauty Finds section at Boots… it’s where all the new products are housed - from new releases to new at Boots. I know from working with beauty brands that making it onto Boots shelves is a huge deal, so I like to keep an eye on what’s there to see if there’s anything new worth trying. I was recently sent a selection of Boots’ latest Beauty Finds and thought I’d share my thoughts with on how I’ve got on with them after a couple of weeks’ testing.

You may have heard me rave about the Wet Brush before, basically the best detangling hair brush since sliced bread (and yes, that includes the Tangle Teezer). I have several in a range of colours which me and the kids bicker over each morning. Named the Wet Brush as they don’t damage wet hair, the flexible bristles also work brilliantly on dry hair.

I’m also a long term fan of EOS lip balm… not only does it work hard at keeping my lips soft and smooth, it’s also made with nothing but good stuff. This is particularly important to me in a lip product; a little of what goes on my lips inevitably ends up in my mouth, so the vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil content is reassuring as well as effective. This one is Honeysuckle Honeydew - it comes in lots of lovely flavours, all encased in a cute sphere.

Egyptian Magic is a don’t judge this pot by the cover style of product. If you suffer from extremely dry skin - or dry patches - then this is worth forgoing any prejudice towards pretty packaging and sweet scented products. The no nonsense rich emollient cream contains olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis extract; no synthetic preservatives or fragrance. It’s a solid formula that melts in your hands and a godsend for dry shins and ankles. Why do they get so dry? It does leave a slightly oily sheen on the skin for a while, worth bearing in mind if you’re planning on wearing a silk jumpsuit or similar afterwards… a girl can dream.

If you’ve ever tried Crest White Strips, Mr Blanc is a similar product - coated cellophane-like strips that stick to teeth for half an hour and help reduce staining. I didn’t like the amount of sticky residue these left in my mouth (brushing is required immediately after use) and know that repeated use is required for best results, but it’s good to have such a product on our doorstep at last. (I’m starting a professional whitening treatment soon which is why I didn’t continue to use these - I’ll let you know how I get on with that too!)

I’ve noticed such a difference in the strength of my nails since I stopped using a specific supplement for them. I generally find that hair supplements improve them too as they benefit from the same nutrients, so I have high hopes for Hair Burst premium vitamins packed with essential nutrients including collagen, biotin and folic acid. Obvs hoping it gives my hair a boost too!

Wunderbrow and Billion Dollar Brows are both new to me… I’m forever trying new brow products in search of The One. These suit very different needs and work completely differently… Wunderbrow contains hair-like fibres infused with pigment and gel, designed to lock onto your brows and last several days. Not gonna lie, I was cynical, but pleasantly surprised at how well this worked. The Brunette shade is more of a dark taupe and comes in a thick gel-like liquid, which I found worked best with my own brush for a full brow look. Best for those experienced at doing their own brows, sportspeople or anyone in a hot climate - the colour really can last a few days, which is great if that’s what you’re after. I did cleanse gently in the area and avoid oils when using this, but still - impressive.

Billion Dollar Brows Brow Brush is a twist-up pencil with a spoolie on one end. Quick and easy to apply, this is soft and well pigmented with strong colour payoff, so works best with a light hand.  While the colour is very natural looking, I paired this with brow gel as I’m used to a harder, waxy pencil. The nib is thicker than I’m used to, so best for filling in rather than adding individual hair strokes and the spoolie is great to tidy brows before hand and remove any excess product after. I like this - it just requires a little more care than I’d spend on a five minute face in the morning rush.

 

WAH Immerge by WAH London is a set of 3 nail polishes designed for nail art, particularly the ombre effect. While the psychedelic Lava Set shades aren’t what I normally go for, I like the concept and the polishes do seem to merge together well… I was able to create a marbled effect with a cocktail stick in seconds.

These two tried and tested favourites are my pick of the bunch: I’ve loved the Wet Brush and EOS Lip Balm for a long time and am so happy that I can now purchase them easily in Boots! 

You can find all of Boots’ current Beauty Finds here.