Blue Mani

Hey guys

This week's mani has been created with 2 shades of blue. I created this mani using polishes from my recent haul.

As I've been having less me time when it comes to my nails I've really been loving simple designs. My nails have been growing to a decent length again which also helps spruce up the design.

 

I've been really impressed with these polishes. Despite no top coat ( I ran out of both my top coats) they remained chip free for a good 4 days which I honestly can't remember the last time a nail polish had achieved that!

Thanks for reading!

TK Maxx beauty haul

Hey guys

It's been ages since I've done a haul (and not because I haven't been shopping...) so I thought it's about time I did one!

Recently I visited TK Maxx and managed to find some good deals. I know people often rave about the bargains they've bought from TK Maxx but I must admit I'm not really one for TK Maxx. A shop where everything is technically all on sale should be my idea of heaven but I have to be in a particular mood for TK Maxx and even then I normally just make it as far as the beauty and accessories section and then I'm done.

My first buy was a 7 piece bamboo brush set by Japonesque for £12.99. I've never tried this range or heard of it so it's a bit of a risk but I have previously used bamboo brushes and have found them to be good and super soft so I'm hoping these are too. This set contains a powder brush, foundation brush, eye shadow brush, concealer brush, angled liner brush, eye shadow crease brush and a lash & brow comb.

The rest of my buys were (predictably) for my nails. I must admit they aren't really autumn shades but when I was buying them I was in denial. (Yes I'm a beauty blogger who hasn't been excitedly waiting for autumn).

I picked 3 Revlon nail polishes and a Nails Inc polish. 

 These were £2.99 each.

The Revlon polish was £3.99 and the Nails Inc polish was £4.99.

I also then picked up a glossy top coat and a matte top coat. I have heard good things about Orly topcoats but didn't fancy paying £11.50 each for them so when I saw that these were £3.99 each I quickly picked them up. And conveniently, I had run out of both type of topcoats so for once I bought things I actually needed!

I hope you've enjoyed reading my haul. If you've recently splurged as well do let me know! I need people to make me feel less guilty about my buys... haha

Thanks for reading!

MoYou Manicure Monday

Hey guys!

I apologise for the lack of posts (again). I've been trying to prepare a lot of stuff for my final year at university so have barely had any time to blog. 

Some of you may have read my previous post on MoYou's stamping kit and this manicure has been created using their kit.

I must admit, I barely do stamping nail art but I'm not quite sure why as they are a super easy way to get beautiful and intricate designs.

I recently received 2 new stamping plates and a nail polish and thought it would be a good opportunity to to try another stamping design.

Normally the kit would contain a scraper and stamp but since I have previously received them, this package came without.

As purple is my favourite colour, I'm a sucker for purple packaging and totally love the envelope in which the stamping plates were enclosed in. 

They also enclosed their most recent catalogue which features all their products and the range of stamping plates available. I've already seen a few that I'm tempted to treat myself to.

As I mentioned, I love the colour purple and oddly enough I don't own a dark purple nail polish so I obviously had to choose the Royal Purple* shade.

I chose these two plates (number 124 and 120). Plate 124* would create such a feminine, beautiful design. Plate 120* would be great for Christmas manicures!

 

This manicure was created using Plate 124. I used the MoYou polish as the base and then used a nude nail polish on the plate to create the design.

I'm loving the nail polish as it doesn't chip easily (I haven't used a top coat) and it also has a matte finish to it so I didn't need to use my top coat.

Overall, I'm loving this. I have tried other stamping kits which have sucked, which I think is one of the main reasons why I don't do stamping designs often but I have no complaints with this one.

I highly recommend it to create affordable, easy, beautiful and fun manicures. Make sure to check out their website.

If you have any stamping designs do leave your link below as I'd love to check them out!

Thanks for reading! x x

Marbled Nails + Mini Update

Hey guys!

Firstly, I must apologise for the 2 month hiatus my blog surprisingly took. It wasn't planned at all but I ended up having a super busy summer and I didn't have time to blog but now I'm back and hopefully will be getting up posts regularly! 

To get myself back into a blogging routine I've decided to do a nail art post (of course). I'm super happy to do this as the places I've been working do not allow nail polish so it has been a hard and sad time for a nail polish addict like me. But to be honest, it's getting me used to life post university as my desired career unfortunately won't allow me to wear nail polish anyway.

I've always wanted to try water marbled nails but it looks like it needs quite a bit of patience which I don't really have time for at the moment so I found a sort of cheat way to get marbled nails. 

 These are the polishes I used to create this effect. I painted my nails half and half with each colour and then used a match (because I had no cocktail sticks at home) and to create the spiral effect.

This has got to be one of the easiest nail art designs I have done and I love the result It also has a kind of metallic finish to it but that might just be due to the colour combo. I then used my matte top coat to finish off the design.

If you would like a tutorial for this design do let me know. You can tweet me or leave a comment below.

If you have any marbled designs of your own (water or non-water) do leave the link below as I would love some inspiration as I seem to be loving marbled designs at the moment! 

Thanks for reading!!!

Courting Trouble*

Hey guys

I apologise for the lack of regular posts. I've been very busy with work and life and just haven't had the time to sit down and blog but I'm back this week with a book review.

I came across Courting Trouble by Kathy Lette whilst browsing NetGalley and was received approval for a copy.

 Description

Tilly has the day from hell when she's sacked from her barristers' chambers in the morning, then finds her husband in bed with her former best friend in the afternoon. She escapes to her mother, Roxy - a sassy solicitor whose outrageous take on men, work and family life is the despair of her more conventional daughter. Roxy comes up with a radical plan for their future - they'll set up an all-female law firm which will only champion women who have been cheated, put upon, attacked, ripped off or ruined by the men in their lives.

In court, Tilly finds herself up against Jack Cassidy, the smooth-talking, politically incorrect, legal love god who broke her heart at law school. Jack is fluent in three languages – English, sarcasm and flirtation… but if he's so loathsome, then why is she committing Acute Lust in the 3rd degree?

When a case lands on the doorstep that threatens to change all their lives, Tilly finds herself dangerously close to taking the law into her own hands… Will Jack's cunning ways and expertise in emotional break and enter derail her quest for justice? Or will the women take on the boys… and win?

Thoughts

When I read the description I wasn't quite sure how I would find this book as it's quite different to what I usually read (it's more of what I would watch) but since I'm trying to read different type of books I decided to try it. And I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. This is the first book I've read of Kathy Lette and it probably won't be my last. She has a hilarious, sarcastic, witty way of writing which is just my kind of humour.

Another reason why I liked this book is that it's taken an important, relevant topic about women equality and made it relatable. This is a must read especially if you're all for feminism and women equality!

You can find this book at Amazon and is available to pre-order.

Sweet Manicure

Hey guys

Today's manicure has got to be one of my recent favourite. It isn't particularly difficult but I just love the classic-ness (not a word) of it.

It's just a simple nude polish with a hint of white.

The colour combo reminds me of one of the sweets you can get in dolly mixtures and I actually craved them after doing this manicure but still sadly haven't had any. I wish I could say it's because of my health eating plan but it's mainly due to my laziness and not being bothered to go to the shops.

I used one of the nude polishes from Maybelline's color show range and added a bit of white at the bottom.

I also used my matte top coat that I'm totally obsessed with that I mentioned in my recent Superdrug haul to finish off the mani.

It did annoyingly chip slightly quite quickly (which explains my thumb) but apart from that I was quite pleased with the result. 

What do you guys think?

Thanks for reading! 

Tip Top Nail Polishes Review*

Hey guys

This review is super late. I received these over the Easter holidays but back then I was preparing for my exams and super stressed that I wasn't even blogging then. I just remembered I hadn't written up my review for the polishes (only mentally) so here it is.

I received 5 polishes from them, 3 'normal' ones and 2 'special efffects' ones.

 

They are a South African company who were looking for bloggers to review their products and I'm always looking for new nail polishes to try so I contacted them to see if they wanted UK bloggers.

I've only tried 'No Way Rose' and 'Feeling Blue-Tiful' properly and so far I'm liking them. They also contain Vitamin E, which is good for the nails so helps strengthen them as well while having the polish on. I've gone 3-4 days with them and no chipping which I have to say is amazing as I've tried so many polishes, even those that claim to be chip free for 7 days which turn out not to be. However, I have found that they do need a couple of coats which is slightly annoying.

Unfortunately, I don't see as of yet where in the UK you can buy their polishes which is a shame as they have a beautiful range of colours and would be interested in purchasing a few of them.

However, you can check out their website to find out more about them and where you can buy their polishes if you're fortunate enough to live in a place where they are sold.

Has anybody else tried Tip Top nail polishes? If you find somewhere that you can buy them from, do let me know.

Thanks for reading.

Superdrug Haul (Nail polish edition)

Hey guys

I'm a massive fan of Superdrug and often find myself browsing the make up section totally forgetting what I came in for in the first place.

Recently, I bought a few nail polishes. I know I've bought quite a few recently but I think I'm done for a month or so. These polishes featuring in this haul were not all bought at the same time. I just decided to put them all together in this one haul.

The first 2 polishes are from Beauty UK. It's been a while since I've bought Beauty UK polishes and I was looking for some polishes that had nice colours (that I didn't already have) and wouldn't break the bank. These cost £2.99 each.

 

I then got 2 of Maybelline's latest limited edition polishes in their color show range costing £3.99 each.

At the time, Superdrug were doing a 3 for 2 offer so I decided to pick up a matte coat from GOSH. I have been wanting a matte coat for ages and I was aware that Barry M were due to release a matte coat (which is actually cheaper) but I didn't want to wait. I think

this cost me £4.99 (can't quite remember)

I can't wait to try all these out especially the matte coat and I'll let you know how I get on with them and I'll be sure to share my designs with you.

What hauls have you done lately? Do let me know as I need to find new things to buy next month after pay day!

Thanks for reading!

Love, Lies and Lemon Cake*

Hey guys

I recently just finished reading 'Love, Lies and Lemon Cake*' by Sue Watson. I came across the book while I was browsing NetGalley looking for some e-books to read and review. I have heard good things about Sue Watson's books but had not read any so I requested a copy and thankfully my request was accepted which I'm grateful for.

Description

Faye Dobson has lost her sparkle. Living on film star fantasies and vague memories of a marriage that once was, she can’t help feeling that life is passing her by. She dreams of being whisked to Paris for dinner, making three wishes at the Trevi fountain and having sex under the stars. But the wrinkles are multiplying, her husband’s passion is for plumbing, and the nearest she’ll get to Rome is a take-away pizza.

So when Faye meets Dan the gorgeous Australian surfer guy working in the local deli she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to see the world. He is blonde, tanned, ten years younger and bakes the most amazing lemon cake. Unlike her husband Dan actually listens to Faye, his smile makes her feel fizzy inside, and when he smiles... Oh. My. God.

But is Faye being silly? What would Dan see in someone like her? Even if he did have feelings for her, could she give everything up to be with him? 

My thoughts

It is described as a 'laugh-out-loud, bittersweet comedy about taking your life back before it’s too late' which I do agree with to some extent.

I enjoyed reading this book, it was exactly what I needed after the stressful months I've been having and after reading this book, I definitely will be reading more of Sue Watson's books. It's a good feel book which got me laughing and feeling the emotions of Faye (the main character). The story follows Faye who at aged 42 is feeling like she's missed out on things in life (on the verge of a mid life crisis, I would say). She's been married for 21 years or so and is now having second thoughts on her marriage.  Having never been married, or in a super long relationship, I personally don't know what it feels like to be trapped and fed up but I was able to feel and empathise at times with Faye. However, I did disagree with some of her behaviour and do wish it ended differently (don't worry I won't ruin the book with any spoilers). Either way, I felt involved with the story which is what I like when reading a book.

I give this book 4/5 and would recommend it. It comes out on the 27th of June and you can pre-order it from Amazon.

Have you read this book or any other Sue Watson's books? What did you think of them? Do let me know. Thanks for reading 

Bésame Lipstick Review*

Hey guys

Last month I received a lipstick* from Bésame to review. I must say, beforehand I was not aware of this brand but I saw they were looking for beauty bloggers so I got in contact.

They are company specialising in vintage cosmetics which explains the delicate design of their products. When I first opened the package I was taken aback by the design of it. I've never seen such a beautiful lipstick case and it comes with it's own little cute bag to carry it in.

 

This lipstick is in shade Dusty Rose. It is a shimmery pink shade. 

 


I tend to love matte polishes which this isn't but I quite like this one as my lips are quite pink, this lipstick leaves my lips looking nicely polished so it's great for everyday wear. It lasts quite a while considering it's not a matte lipstick, about 4 hours.

RRP is £22 which is standard high end price which I personally find a bit pricey for any lipsticks as I don't wear them everyday, but considering the vintage design of this lipstick, £22 seems a reasonable price. 

They have a nice collection of shades of lipsticks and also other types of cosmetics which you can find on their website or you can find a list of stockists here

Have any of you guys tried any Bésame products? What did you think of them and which ones would you recommend?

Thanks for reading! 

(Throwback) Manicure Monday

Hey guys

This week's manicure is a bit of a throwback. I actually did this manicure last month but because of my exams I didn't get a chance to post it up when I wanted to.

For ages I had been saying I wanted to get dotting tools. Then as I was going through my various nail art tools I came across one! I was so happy as it meant I could try dotting designs and could also save a bit of money for the mean time.

I kept it simple as it was my first time and also I didn't have that much time. I was pretty tired from the library and had to get up early but by force I had to paint my nails.

Here is the result:

 I used Bourjois' nail polish is Violet Couture as the base colour

 Then I used 2 Barry M polishes in Lilac and White for the dots

I'm pleased with the results despite the rush and it being my first time using dotting tools.

I think I'll be doing a lot more dotting designs.

Any of you guys fan of dotting designs? 

Thanks for reading!

Beauty Bay Haul

Hey guys

As I mentioned in my previous posts, I did quite a bit of shopping over my exam period. Online shopping is very therapeutic but it is also very dangerous. I definitely spend more online than when in a shop.

However, it has been ages since I've been shopping so I think I did go a bit overboard but gave myself a limit in each site.

My first haul is from Beauty Bay. I actually came across this site by mistake and now I'm hooked. I came looking for a good top coat that I had been recommended by Claire and Nic and as I was looking for a place to buy it cheaper I stumbled across Beauty Bay. I noticed they had a sale and I was trying to comfort myself after bad exams and since it had been a while since I bought nail polish so I thought I'd give the nail polish section a  quick browse. Big mistake. My basket originally hit about £50-60 and I was fully about to pay it and then quickly calmed down and transferred a few to my save for later basket.

I decided on 3 polishes and a clear coat which is actually a base coat (annoyingly didn't know at the time) but am planning to also use as a top coat and see what happens.

As a self proclaimed nail polish addict I'm ashamed to say I have never bought or tried O.P.I or China Glaze nail polishes but I have heard great things and they had colours perfect for summer that I thought I might as well use this opportunity to try them out.

I'm definitely coming back to buy some more.

The shades are beautiful. I particularly love the China Glaze polishes as they are pastel colours and I love pastels especially during summer. 

The Seche clear top coat was originally £6.99 but is now £5.94

 OPI Aphrodites Pink Nightie was originally £11.95 but is now £6.93 

China Glaze At Vase Value was originally £6.95 but is now £4.38

China Glaze Spring in My Step was originally £6.95 but is now £4.38

I'm in love with these colours and I can't wait to do some summer nail art designs with them which I will share with you.

I highly recommend giving them a visit ( I most definitely will again). They have free shipping and even though my total didn't qualify for next day delivery I still received them the next day! It was such a pleasant surprise and exactly what I needed considering the week I was having.

Have any of you got some great deals from Beauty Bay and do you have any shades/brands nail polish to recommend as I'm trying to widen my nail polish collection.

Thanks for reading!