Nails of the week.

So I thought I would do a quick post on some new nail colours that I absolutely love at the moment. Both are Barry M nail varnishes, one called Pomegranate and the other Fondant and I picked them both up the other day from Boots as part of the 3 for 2 offer on Beauty products. 

I've had numerous nail varnishes from Barry M which are a similar colour to the Fondant nail colour, and I've used my last pot up not too long ago, but I always love lilac colours. Lilacs are great for wearing in Spring and Summer (if I don't use it all before Summer finally arrives) so I am always replacing them. The lilac colour is also great to wear whilst I am at school teaching because it allows me to add some colour to my look and outfit but it is not too abrasive or obvious which might cause some issues with work.

The other colour I picked up was a reddish/pink colour called Pomegranate, which is also a gelly nail varnish so it is also lovely and shiny. I also love red nails, so this nail colour is great for me because it is different to the other red nail colours I currently own. The colour is a really vibrant and bright colour, and looks great with dark colours such as black and dark blues, which are colours that I commonly wear. 

I would highly recommend both these colours and any Barry M nail varnishes for that matter, as I really cannot fault any Barry M nail varnish products that I have tried over the many years. I have been buying Barry M products for many years and my love for the brand is only growing. 

What are your favourite nail colours at the moment?  

Nails of the Week.

At the moment I am loving my pastel nails and they are perfect for summer; so this No7 Nail Colour in Lucky Lilac is definitely one of my favourites at the moment. I bought this nail colour whilst I was on holiday in Ireland from Boots, what is also great about No7 products is the discount vouchers for money off so the nail varnish only cost me a couple of euros.  

I also love this Barry M glitter nail paint, the silver basically goes with any other nail varnish colour, and I love putting the glitter on top of other nail colours, like I have done here with the lilac. The Barry M nail varnish is also great for doing a gradual glitter look on your nails; starting at the base of the nail with just a slight bit of glitter to the end of the nail with lots of glitter. This nail varnish has literally lasted me years too, although it has gone slightly gloopy now it is still fantastic to wear. I definitely need to reinvest in another pot! 

I only tend to do my nails like this every now and again because I find them to be very girly which isn't really my style, but every so often it is nice to show my girly side and be a bit different. 

But finally; I cannot recommend either of these products enough, both are fantastic brands and really good quality nail varnishes. 

What's New in my Bathroom Cabinet.

I recently bought this almond exfoliant soap from L'Occitane whilst I was in Ireland, which is priced at £4 in the UK. This product is definitely becoming one of my favourite soaps ever. There is nothing bad to say about the product, it is perfect for a simple hand soap or to put in the shower and use all over the body. It has a gorgeous almond scent to it, and is nothing but brilliant for exfoliating. The soap has small almond flakes integrated within the soap which exfoliates the skin softly. I have also found that this product is perfect for using when shaving your legs as it provides a great lather and also exfoliates at the same time leaving your skin irresistibly smooth. I only wish I had bought more now! 

After reading a great review about the Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Face Mask by Loulabeth I was very tempted to try the product myself. I have used various other Soap and Glory products but never a face mask by them. When I went to Boots last week the product was also on offer with a third off the normal price at just over £7, so I had to buy it. Although this price may seem a lot the tube is fairly large and seems like the product will last a long time, so is definitely worn the price as you can use the face mask many times. 

One thing I really like about the mask it how it also acts as a gentle exfoliator, so whilst it deeply cleanses your pores it also exfoliates your whole face. What is also great about the product is how you can either leave it on or massage onto your face for a quick few minutes to clean your face, or  t can be applied it for longer and leave on as a warming face mask for 15 minutes. In future I will definitely be trying some of the other face cleaning products from the Soap and Glory range.   

Recently I purchased this Anatomicals Peach Shampoo from ASOS for £3.50. I had always been attracted to the products from Anatomicals, mainly due to the great product packaging. Sadly I was not impressed with the Peach Shampoo, the product says that it leaves your hair feel soft and greatly conditioned however I didn't really feel like it did this. On the other hand, one plus with the product is how amazing it smelt, it really did smell gorgeous and like peach ice tea.  However, I may be persuaded to try some of the other Anatomical products and see how they are, such as the shower gels or conditioners. 

Have you used any of these products? 

New Nail Obsession: OPI Malaga Wine.

Whilst flying back from Ireland I thought I would treat myself to some new nail varnish, I had some left over Euros so thought it would be great to buy myself a new OPI nail varnish. I have only heard fantastic things about the OPI range of nail varnishes, and loved the Malaga Wine nail colour. Although I definitely had a difficult time only picking one nail varnish, as I wanted most of them! But this nail varnish is perfect for me really, my Nanna used to live in a town near to Malaga, so I used to fly there several times a year to visit her, so instantly I loved this nail colour and its name. 

This colour is perfect for the upcoming Autumn months. I am so done with Summer (due to all the insects and bites I have had to put up with) and so ready for Autumn, so this deep red colour is perfect. I also usually love to wear red on my toe nails, so this nail varnish is ideal for me too. 

The OPI nail varnishes are quite expensive so I had been put off trying them, but I am definitely glad I splashed out and treated myself to my first OPI nail colour. Usually I apply nail varnish and it chips so quickly, and within a day or two the nail varnish has either chipped or smudged. However this is not the case at all with the OPI nail varnish, it has lasted for many days without chipping so is hard wearing. The nail varnish also comes in a large bottle so I know that this nail colour will last a long time. The colour is a dark deep red, and definitely suits the name of Malaga wine as it looks like a rich red wine colour, but it is also not too dark for everyday wear. 

I will definitely be treating myself to more OPI nail varnishes in the future, definitely worth while to splash out on an expensive nail varnish every once in a while! Plus i definitely need to get my hands, or rather nails, on some more OPI nail colours! 

What's New In My Beauty Bag.

One of the new items in my beauty bag include the Loreal Smoothing Resurfacing Primer, which I bought from Boots as part of an offer of 2 Loreal products for £15, the primer itself is sold for £14.29. This product is truly great, after applying the primer it really makes your make up stay put all day and improves the appearance of the make up, especially foundations and eyeshadows. I've also found that most primers have a slight unpleasant smell to them, whereas this primer really smells nice. I also love the texture of this primer, it feels like your applying strawberry mousse to your face, which feels both slightly odd but wonderful, and leaves your face feeling smooth and soft. I definitely recommend this primer!  

I also bought the Loreal Colour Riche lipstick in Tender Rose as part of the 2 for £15 from Boots. I have bought Loreal lipsticks in the past and definitely recommend them, especially their pink lipsticks. This lipstick is quite pale but is still visible when on, and provides a slight shine and glimmer. The lipstick also has a combination of omega-3 and Vitamin E, which is great because it feels like the lipstick is actually moisturising your lips at the same time too. This product is perfect to wear everyday, or at night for a subtle colour too. 

Recently I also received the Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream free with a magazine, and what a great freebie it is! I can't praise this moisturiser enough, it really does help make your skin so soft. I have been applying this product in the morning and before bed at night. What I also love about this moisturiser is the smell, it smells like rose turkish delight, even my boyfriend has commented on how great it smells. I would definitely recommend this product because it really does soften your skin without feeling too greasy. I will hopefully try out more of the Balance Me products in future. 

Have you used any of these products?

Any recommendations for Balance Me products? 

My Everyday Makeup Routine.

I thought I would do a post about my everyday make up routine and which products I use. I would say I am pretty comfortable with the products I use everyday for my makeup, I have been using most of the products for months, if not years, and I would thoroughly recommend all the products! I don't tend to use too many make up products, especially not everyday, and I tend to mainly focus on eye make up. 

I start by applying a moisturiser or a primer, and wait for it to settle before applying my foundation. I only use a small amount of foundation and try to create a more natural look. I have a very pale complexion, and lots of freckles, so if I wear a lot of makeup I feel a bit too dolled up or that I am caked in makeup. 

This Maxfactor Colour Adapt foundation is perfect, it has such a smooth light texture and is so easy to apply. What I also love about this product is that I don't need to use a lot each day, nor does it feel like I'm wearing loads of makeup. I used to use a different Maxfactor foundation until they discontinued the product so I had to change to a different one, but I am definitely happy with this foundation and will keep purchasing it in future! 

I then apply the Clinique pore refining solutions, but only if I feel like any blackheads are showing, or if I feel like I need a bit more coverage. 

I apply a small amount of blusher just to provide a rosy glow, and this Revlon highlighting palette is perfect! They also do a different darker colour which is good for those with darker complexions. I have previously reviewed this product on my blog, you can see the review here. 

I then apply mascara to my bottom lashes, and this mascara by Maxfactor (2000 calorie) is definitely one of my all time favourite mascaras and one I wholeheartedly recommend. I've been using the waterproof version at the moment, as I needed a new mascara for my graduation, and I needed one that would stay put all day, this mascara definitely did the job. Another example of how amazing this mascara is; when I travelled to Ireland I applied the mascara at 4 in the morning, had to travel to Ireland, then spent all day walking around a town in Ireland, had a long nap, and then a BBQ, and my mascara was still perfectly on at the end of the day. If thats not a great mascara I don't know what is! However, my one issue with the mascara is that it is so good that sometimes it doesn't want to come off, and requires makeup remover especially for waterproof makeup. But this is also a plus, because I sometimes find that my mascara wears off on my bottom lashes, especially in summer, so this waterproof mascara is perfect. I can't speak highly enough about the Maxfactor mascaras and foundations! 

I then apply my eyeshadows and I tend to use a few of the natural brown tones on my eyelids. This is because I find that brown tones compliment blue eyes. I also find that they are suitable for everyday wear and don't look like I'm wearing too much makeup. I use both the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette and also Bourjois Paris eyeshadow. However I have had this Bourjois eyeshadow for years so I'm not too sure if they still make this colour, but due to the fact that I still use this product everyday and have had it for years surely makes it stand out as an amazing product. 

I then apply the Soap and Glory Supercat liquid eyeliner to the top of my eyelids, creating a slight feline flick. Then using the Thick and Fast Soap and Glory mascara I coat my upper eyelashes with the mascara. I have also previously reviewed this product on my blog, you can view the post here. 

What are the everyday makeup products you would recommend?

Do any of these product feature in your everyday makeup routine? 

Soft Soft Soft!

Here's another beauty product review about the recent moisturising products I've purchased or that I'm using at the moment.

I recently bought the Garnier Body Intensive 7 day softening nourishing lotion and figured I should do a review of the product. The lotion is 250ml and was on offer from Boots when I bought the product for just under £2, whereas it is usually a bit more expensive, and there is also a larger bottle available. The product is said to be fast absorbing, which it definitely is, I hate waiting around for any moisturisers to absorb into the skin, and I often hate the feeling of moisturisers on my skin. But this product is perfect because it really does absorb into the skin quickly, leaving a silky feel and a gorgeous sweet almond fragrance, it also doesn't leave a sticky or dense feeling on the skin either but a light feeling effect. I am a sucker for anything almond no matter what the product is, so this lotion is spot on for me. The garner lotion range also contains various other fragrances such as Shea butter (which is also a great product!), mango oil and Aloe Vera, just to name a few. The product has definitely softened my skin; I have definitely noticed a difference on my arms and hands. Unfortunately I have a couple of insect bites on my legs at the moment so have been avoiding using too many lotions on my legs, but I'm sure the lotion will work excellently on my legs too. This lotion is definitely recommended! However, if you do suffer from really dry skin this product may not be for you, I thankfully don't have dry skin really so I don't need to apply too much moisturiser, so people with dry skin may want to try a thicker more intense moisturiser. Also, next time I think I will also try the Intensive 7 day Hand Cream by Garnier.

I thought it would also be a good idea to review one of my all time favourite moisturisers; Nivea Soft. I swear by this product and wear it every day, especially before applying my makeup. It is perfect for every day use but I also use it when my skin is feeling extra dry (I just apply it more liberally). Also when my lips are feeling slightly chapped I apply the moisturiser around the area of my mouth and it really does help. I also use this product when on holiday when I have sunburn as I really trust this product to soften my skin no matter what. It isn't too dense or heavy on the skin so I have never had any spots or oily skin from using this product. This product can also be used on basically anywhere on the body; face, hands and body. Also what is great about this product is that you can virtually get it from any shop, it is sold in Boots and Superdrug, but I have also been able to buy this product from the pound shop, £1 for a moisturiser that lasts for a while and that I really do trust is definitely a bonus! I have even got my mother using this product when usually she buys clinique and other expensive creams. I definitely recommend that everyone gives this product a try, at £1 a bottle it is hard to say no. 

I have also started to use the Sally Hanson Cuticle Massage Cream. I really love this product because I have definitely noticed a substantial improvement in my cuticles since using it, and also the smell of the product is just divine, it has a fruity tropical smell. The product is really quick and easy to use, and seems like it will last for ages as you don't need to apply a lot. It is supposed to be used every day, just by rubbing a small amount into the area around the nails, I have been using it before bedtime as that's the best time I find to apply moisturisers. I'm unsure how much this product is as I got it for Christmas, and shamefully it has been at the bottom of my nail varnish bag(s) since. 

Have you tried any of these products? What moisturisers would you recommend? 

July Beauty Product Favourites!

It's crazy how fast this year is going, it feels like I finished university months ago now when in reality it was only a month or so ago, but I thought I would do a post about some of my favourite beauty products that I love at the moment, and products which are perfect for the Summer season.

No 7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Duck Egg Blue: I received this nail varnish free when I bought two other No 7 products from Boots. I got the nail varnish just before I went away on holiday, and the colour is just so gorgeous, and such a perfect summer colour. It was the only nail varnish I used on holiday, on both my fingernails and my toenails. I’m usually a sucker for red nail varnish for my toes, but I’m really enjoying the pastel blue on my toes at the moment as a change for summer. Pastel nail colours are in at the moment and so this pale blue is perfect and in fashion at the moment. I usually wear a lot of blues too so this nail varnish is perfect and suits most my outfits. What is also great about this nail varnish is how fast it dries, I’m really impatient when it comes to waiting, especially for nails to dry. Yet this product is fast drying and doesn’t smudge easily. I don’t have too much experience with No 7 products, but after trying this nail varnish I will definitely be purchasing more in future.

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Rose Glow: Another excellent product I absolutely love at the moment is the Revlon highlighting Palette. This product is perfect for both daytime and also night time. I use this product instead of a blusher, and apply it to my cheeks. It gives a slight shimmer, but is not too intense and provides a natural highlight for a soft healthy sun-kissed glow. It can be applied to other areas, which you may wish to highlight, such as your brow, but I tend to just apply the product to my cheeks. This product is perfect for pale skin like mine, and I’ve found it really compliments my freckled skin and blue eyes. Another great factor with this product is that if you are a fan of the natural make up look, or don’t like wearing loads of make-up then this product is perfect, in fact someone complimented my natural glow today when in fact I was wearing this product. This product is not badly priced, and can be bought in conjunction with other offers at Boots, also the palette comes in a different darker colour (Bronze Glow). This product is definitely a must for Spring/Summer.

Body Shop Mango Body Scrub: At the moment I love using this body scrub from Body Shop. I used to do the home parties for body shop a few years ago so I have used many body shop products and definitely recommend all their body scrubs and body butters. But at the moment I am using the Mango collection, which is a perfect summer scent. I mango scent is really sweet and tropical, and the body scrub contains real mango seed oil. The scrub efficiently exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling really soft and smooth. The scrub isn’t too intense, nor does it irritate the skin so is perfect for very dry skin. The scrub is perfect for the summer months, as exfoliating helps maintain a healthy tan, but also has a lovely exotic smell. The tub is also huge and lasts for ages, which is also a plus. Another reason I love buying Body Shop products is because I really trust all their products, I don’t find them too harsh or too strong smelling, unlike other companies. Also Body Shop are against animal testing, and as a vegetarian this is a great reason to buy their products, and also Body Shop support community fair trades, both of which are important causes.    

L’Oreal Paris UK Collection Exclusive by Colour Riche in Doutzen’s Nude (Barely Pink): I don’t tend to use lots of lipsticks but at the moment I really love this exlusive lipstick in a nude/pale pink colour from L’Oreal Paris. It is perfect for pale skin, and it is a really subtle colour, which is perfect for those of us which don’t feel too confident with lipstick. It says the colour is perfect for blondes, however I have light brown hair and very fair skin so this colour is perfect for me too. The product also has a slight shimmer to it too, so it is great to use in the daytime as well as at the night time. It also doesn’t make me feel too dolled up so is also good to use when creating a natural make-up look too. As you can see from the photos I use this lipstick a lot, and I will definitely be buying another before the exclusive collection finishes.

If anyone can recommend any of their favourite products at the moment that would be fantastic, or if anyone has used similar products and would care to share them with me, that would be appreciated too.

            

Soap and Glory Beauty Review.

I thought I would try to do my first beauty product review, I am yet to do one but I recently purchased some new Soap and Glory products for the first time and thought I would give them a quick review. I have only heard great things about the Soap and Glory beauty products, and have been dying to give them a try for ages. I usually stick to Rimmel or Maxfactor for my eye products, such as liquid eyeliners and mascaras, but this time I thought I would try the Soap and Glory products.

First off I will start with the liquid eyeliner; Supercat liquid eyeliner.

Usually I stick to using Rimmels liquid eyeliner which is a brush and a pot. Whereas the Soap and Glory eyeliner is more like a pen with a fine nib on the end. My usual day time make up look entails of the usual cat flick with the eyeliner and minimal eyeshadow (usually in natural brown tones, which highlight my blue eyes). I tend to find that unless you're careful, the eyeliner from the brush ends up on your eyelashes and causes them to clog when applying mascara afterwards, however with my new Soap and Glory eyeliner pen this has not been found to be the case. The pen allows the eyeliner to effortlessly glide onto the eyelid without clogging up any of the eyelashes, which is always a plus! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who loves their upper eye eyeliner, it really is easy to apply and use. Also, I have found that this product stays put all day and has not smudged at all by the end of the day. Another great part of this product is that whilst it remains put all day, it is also super easy to remove, whether you're using make up wipes or make up removers on cotton wool pads. The Soap and Glory eyeliner when compared to the Rimmel eyeliner is much easier to remove at the end of the day, and stays on all day much better than the Rimmel eyeliner with minimal smudging and flaking away. I will definitely be buying this product again in the future!

The mascara was also a new product for me to use; The Thick and Fast Mascara. 

I usually swear by the Maxfactor 2000 Calorie Mascara; which is also a great product! However I thought I would try something new. I have quite long bottom eye lashes, and this product seemed to accentuate these, which is always great as I feel like it makes my eyes look bigger and more open. The brush is a slightly different shape, wish bristles only really on one side of the brush, so it is more fiddly than other mascara brushes. That being said, the brush really does make the eyelashes look a lot longer and more defined, which is definitely what I wanted in the product. I will keep trying this product, as I usually find that mascaras are great to start off but then quickly end up clogging or becoming less applicable, so hopefully this wont be the case with this mascara, as my usual Maxfactor mascara lasts for ages! Again, this also product seemed to last well all day but came off super easily with either make up wipes or make up removers on cotton wool pads. 

I have tried some other Soap and Glory products, such as the Hand Food and Shower Scrub both products also lived up to their reputations, so I hope to keep trying the different products. I am also hoping to purchase and try one of the powders called "One Heck of a Blot" soon, so I may also do a review for that product too in the future. I also love the design of both these product, the gold packaging of the mascara makes the product really stand out, as well as making it easy to find within my giant makeup bag!    

Hopefully this review wasn't too bad, and then I can do more in future!