New Nails #19

Merry Christmas one and all!

Although I am not feeling in the least bit Christmasy I bid you all a very Merry Christmas and leave you with (possibly) the last New Nails # of the year.

I used: Models Own Beth's Blue; Nude Beige; Pastel Pink; Red Alert; Scarlet Sparkle; Purple Grey; Snow White; Black & White Nail Art Pens

December Glossy Box

Rituals - Magic Touch
An ultra-rich whipped body cream that intensively nourishes and firms the skin. Combining rice milk, antioxidants, the indulgent fragrance of cherry blossom and velvety smooth texture, Rituals Magic Touch nourishes and strengthens the skin, while stimulating your senses.
RRP: £15.00 / 200ml

Seche - Seche Nail Lacquer
Highly pigmented colour for one coat coverage, satin smooth application dries quickly. Add Seche's Fast Top Coat for a rapid-dry protective layer that will give nails a gorgeous, salon-finish.
RRP: £9.95 / 14ml (full size)

Milk_Shake - Conditioning Whipped Cream
With a mouth-watering fragrance of freshly whipped cream, it's unlike any haircare product we've ever tried. This gorgeous leave-in conditioning foam with milk, wheat germ and casein proteins will treat, protect and strengthen your hair for smoothness and shine.
RRP: £14.79 / 200ml

Sleek Makeup - i-Divine True
Perfect for soft, subtle eyes or a smoky look with rich, pigmented colours.
RRP: £7.99 / 12 x 1.1g (full size)

Anatomicals - what a complete and utter glosser. i never fake strawberry milkshake. fruity lip gloss tube
A fabulously fruity strawberry lip gloss that gives long-lasting shimmer and shine coupled with the fruity title makes this a typical Anatomicals herp-product.
RRP: £3.49 / 10ml

Bonus:
Glossy Box - Glossy Pink Blusher
A colour intensive powder blush, velvety feeling with long-lasting colour that flatters all skintones.

Extra Bonus:
Dr Jart - Water Fuse Beauty Balm

I am actually really excited about this months Glossy Box; it's jam packed with 'my kind' of make-up. Also, I really love the fact they remembered to include an 'extra bonus' for me for duplicating one of my items last month. Thank you Glossy Box; this is, in my eyes, definitely you're best box!

New Nails #18

With my works Christmas Party approaching I thought I'd make a start on attempting some of the Festive Nails I have 'pinned' on Pinterest; starting with this one from The Beauty Department.

Every time I'm on Pinterest searching for nail art inspiration I see this design, and every time I see it I think 'I must try that at Christmas time'. Now is that time! It was a bit more fiddly than I had imagined; that might be my fault though, I doubled up on the black cotton because I didn't think one strand looked thick enough, and getting them to stay lined up was a 'mare!!

I used: Models Own 3-in-1 Base Coat / Top Coat / Gloss; Snow White; Red Alert; Green Tea; Scarlett Sparkle Glitter; Emerald City Glitter

It's a bit rough around the edges, but I like it! It's so cute!

New Nails #17

I always wear nail varnish. There is never a time I'm not seen without it on... until last week. Coming back from Venice my last nails had chipped ridiculously beyond anything socially acceptable; we're talking the whole thumb missing and at least a quarter of every other finger gone! It was a disgrace.

So I sat in bed on Tuesday night, catching up on my TV with tin foil wrapped around the ends of my fingers.

In the past, I've rubbished this method of removing glitter nail varnish, it's never worked for me. Now though, I can't fault it! Genius!

And that's it. I didn't apply anything else in it's place (except a base coat) and it felt really strange, I'm used to seeing a flash of colour when I look down at my hands. I have to say, even though I didn't like it, my nails needed the break. We're talking years since I last took a nail varnish time out. And though I kept them clear for 5 days, I couldn't wait to paint them again.

My colour of choice: Models Own Coral Reef.

I Love

1; 2; 3; 4; 5

Review - Clarins Water Purify One Stop Cleanser

I'm so lazy when it comes to removing make-up / creams at the end of the day. Soap doesn't generally agree with me and my sensitive skin and the face wash I use is very grainy and too harsh to be using twice a day; so I have been known to leave my ‘face’ on over night and then just remove what ever is on it in the morning using the face wash. Shocking, I know. It’s no wonder my skin is so bad.

But then I discovered Clarins Water Purify One Stop Cleanser

You just dab it on a cotton pad and ‘wash’ your face with it. No water needed. Perfect for a lazy bum like me!

It’s so light and dries within seconds of touching the skin. It also smells and feels very fresh, sort of minty cucumber.

It leaves my skin feeling so clean and soft, not at all greasy or dry, and it copes very well with my sensitive areas (primarily around my nose). It is essentially the perfect cleanser.

Saying that though, it does struggle with eye make-up; I'm yet to find a cleanser that doesn't! But, when I was in the Airport coming home from Venice I bought the Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover which is the same premise (no water needed) but for use especially on eye make-up, so maybe this is the one! - Review to follow no doubt.

Wednesday Wishlist #7

I'm baaack! And with a Wednesday Wishlist Topshop Special!

1; 2; 3; 4; 5

I Love

1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6

Where's Wednesday's Wishlist?

No Wednesday Wishlist this week, I've not really had a chance to make one. It was my birthday yesterday (yay!) and now I'm off for a few days to Venice (double yay!).

Be back next week!

I Love

1; 2; 3; 4; 5

November Glossy Box

Olay - Olay Regenerist 3-Point Treatment Cream Fragrance Free
Olay Regenerist's award winnings, best selling moisturiser is now available fragrance free.
RRP: £29.99 / 50ml

Wei Beauty - Jujube Age Control Serum
This all-in-one anti-aging serum renews, revitalizes, and restores suppleness and elasticity.
RRP: £60.00 / 30ml

Alison Claire Natural Beauty - Mango Body Butter
A delicious blend of organic mango and cocoa butters will leave your skin feeling wonderful.
RRP: £15.00 / 200ml

Nails Inc. - Kensington Caviar Top Coat / Porchester Square / Notting Hill Gate
3 nails inc best sellers including traffic stopping brights and the award winning Caviar Top Coat.
RRP: £11/12 / 10ml

Dermalogica - Daily Microfoliant
A unique rice-based powder that gently exfoliates skin, leaving it noticeably smoother and brighter.
RRP: £38.50 / 75g

My feelings are a bit mixed with this box. I already had the Olay Regenerist in the October Box; so that's a bit disappointing to get the same thing two times in a row, I'd read on Twitter (shameless 'Follow Me' plug!) that some people had received Burberry Perfume; I'd have much preferred that; and I'm not sure if I read it correctly, but my understanding is that there should be 3 Nails Inc. polishes in the Box, but I only got one; but it is the Top Coat, so I'm happy about that, and I'm looking forward to trying out the Body Butter (I'm a sucker for anything Mango 'flavoured') and the Dermalogica Microfoliant.

Update: About 30mins after posting this, I received an e-mail from Glossy Box apologising for sending me the Olay Regenerist again; I don't know if it was because of the Tweet I sent them or if it was just a general e-mail sent to everyone affected; but the result is they will add an extra product in my December box - makes this box better now :) Thank you Glossy Box

Wednesday Wishlist #6

1; 2; 3; 4; 5

Review - Kryolan Satin Powder

I got this back in July in the July Glossy Box; but I've realised I've reviewed hardly any of the products I've been getting, even though I've been using them, so expect a few reviews in the coming weeks.

Kryolan Satin Powder

This micro-fine powder will create extraordinary shimmer effect eye make up.

R.R.P. £4.75 / 3g

First off I'll say; I've never heard of Kryolan before; but after typing Kryolan into Google doing a bit of research I've discovered it's a brand best know for the theatre / film / TV industry. The theatre mask logo on the packaging should have given it away really.

I was pleased when this appeared in my Glossy Box back in July though, the colour I received is SP333 which, when in the tub looks very orange, but when on is a nice warm shimmery golden peach colour which suits my Autumnal palette; auburn/brown hair / green eyes.

The packaging isn't overly inspiring, very basic; but it's small, compact, light weight, perfect for popping in you bag for a night out. The little hole in the lid is very useful; it reduces the chance of all the powder flying everywhere if you accidentally knock it over (tried and tested!) and is the perfect size so you're not getting out more than you need.

It is a really fine powder so you don't need a lot and it is easy to apply smoothly; but then you have the trouble with micro-fine, in that it turns up everywhere weeks after you thought you'd got rid of it!

So, saying that the staying power is impressive. Obviously you would expect a small amount of fading after a while, but mine managed to last roughly 7/8 hours (before I had to take it off) and still look really shimmery.

I don't think this should be limited to just your eyes; using a large brush it can easily be applied to your décolletage and arms and used as a body shimmer.

Over all I'm happy with it; the price, I feel, is a bit steep for the amount, but I can see myself using it quite often, and not just on my eyes!

I Love

1; 2; 3; 4; 5

New Nails #16

I'm really into glitter nail polish at the moment; I'm never usually, just because it's so darn impossible to remove! I've tried my trusty Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover in the past, but all that happened was that the glitter shredded the sponge and didn't remove the glitter!!! I'm still getting bits of glitter stuck to me when I use it!

I've also tried the 'tried and tested' tin foil tip; and it doesn't work. But now, I have come across this tip, to use PVA glue as your base coat! Sounds genius; I will be trying this for sure; I'll let you know how I get on.

I used Models Own Beth's Blue; Utopia; Hed Kandi

Wednesday Wishlist #5

1; 2; 3; 4; 5

I Love

1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8

New Nails #15

(belated)

I know I've only just done my nails; but these new ones go with my costume for a party I'm going to tonight!
I'm dressing up as a Zombie Little Red Riding Hood who's been mauled to death by the big bad wolf... obviously.

And the idea behind the nails is that I've clawed my way out of my grave; and you don't do that and still keep your perfect manicure!!

I was going to do all of the nails, but then the logistics of it all, it just seemed too much of a hassle! I'd probably keep catching myself with the rough / sharp points; and every time I washed my hands all the blood would all wash off leaving it looking, well, crap basically! So I settled for a statement finger...

1. You will need: -
   * False Nails (I got mine from the 99p shop; just because I don't wear them otherwise, so didn't have any spare / loose ones lying around)
  * Nail Glue
  * Nail Varnish (colour of your choice / to match the rest of your nails)
  * Nail Scissors / Clippers
  * Fake Blood

2. Paint your fake nail with the colour of your choice and leave to dry.

3. Once dry, cut up the fake nail depending on the 'look' you're going for...
A few ideas for you: -

4. Glue the fake nail / pieces on top of your own clean / nail varnish free nail.

5. 'Decorate' with blood.

I wasn't overly happy with how it turned out; it didn't quite look how I imagined it would in my head - it never does though does it!? In my head I'm an artistic genius!!

I Don't Think You're Ready For This Jelly

I haven't celebrated Halloween yet; apart from painting my nails. Me and the girles are off to a party tomorrow night. So last night I decided I'd make some jelly shots to take with me!!

The below liquid measurements can be adjusted to taste / preference. The only two firm rules I would go by are: -

1. Always melt the jelly in the microwave BEFORE adding the alcohol. DO NOT put the alcohol in the microwave.

2. You need 1 pint of liquid for every 135g bar of jelly - how you make up that pint of liquid is up to you; but my way tastes pretty darn good; even if I do say so myself!! ;)

1. You will need: -
  * Jelly (I'm using Hartleys Raspberry)
  * Alcohol of choice (I'm using Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur and Passion Fruit Malibu)
  * A 1 pint jug
  * Shot glasses

2. Place the jelly in the jug and fill the jug 1/3 (one third) (approx. 7 fl. oz.) full with boiling water from the kettle. Place in the microwave for 10-20 seconds until dissolved and stir well.

3. Top the jug up to 2/3 (two thirds) (approx. 14 fl. oz.) with cold water from the tap and stir well.

4. Top the jug up to full (1 pint) with the alcohol of your choice.

5. Fill up your shot glasses - I managed to fill 11 shot glasses with my mixture; but as you can see they are all different sized glasses.

6. Put in the fridge over night - I placed my shot glasses in an old biscuit tin, just so I had more control over them when putting them in / taking them out of the fridge, and to decrease the likely hood of someone putting something in the fridge without realising and knocking them over!!

Enjoy!

Wednesday Wishlist #4

1; 2; 3; 4; 5

New Nails #14

(nearly)

I used Models Own Beach Party; Green Tea; Snow White; Red Alert; Black Magic; Black & White Nail Art Pens