The Gel Manicure

Whilst on a hunt for a new birthday polish (a tradition of mine), and with a 2 for £8 offer at Boots, I decided to pick up the Revlon Gel Envy polishes in Up the Ante and the Diamond top coat. 

I could spend a while talking about how much I love the colour but the formula deserves a lot of attention: a perfectly nail-curved-applicator and thick polish which only needs two coats it deserves a big thumbs up. When it comes to the Diamond Top Coat however we're on a whole different wave length of nail polish history. 

I am always on the hunt for a good drugstore top coat. Whilst everyone raves about Seche Viche - which I'll admit, does do a fantastic job - I don't really want to spend £10 on a flipping top coat. Moreover, I have previously shared my love for the Rimmel Finishing Touch, an equally great and cheap top coat. However, I think I have just made a discovery that kicks Finishing Touch out of the nail polish drawer... 

Excuse the hyperbole but the Revlon Diamond Top Coat is honestly one of the best top coats I've ever tried. It is incredibly shiny and seriously chip proof! Interestingly the applicator is two brushes in one - they join together at the bottom. One thing I suffer from with other top coats is that they can be so thick that I end up peeling the whole polish off…does anyone else do this? This one however seems to almost blend into the polish creating an even layer. This top coat is definitely a must have for a nail polish addict and at £4 (with this offer) how can you say no?!

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More Salon Pro Love

A trip back home always means a visit into my favourite Boots. With a lot of points saved up to spend I ended up with a mini-boots haul which I shared on my instagram - oops! As you know from a previous post, I am loving the Rimmel Salon Pro formulas.

I had spotted this shade, Green Dragon, before, and finally decided to add it to my basket. I'm always a fool for a blue or green nail polish and this pistachio-blue shade is just perfect for summer in my opinion.

Now, shall I rave about the formula of these polishes? For under a fiver they really do deserve a round of applause: long wearing, chip proof and high shine. What more can you want from a nail polish. I'm pretty sure you'll be finding me in this shade for a few weeks!

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Manicure Heroes

Instead of boring you with another post dedicated to my love for the Rimmel Salon Pro formulas I thought I would share with you some of my favourite products for the perfect manicure. After all, I do like to keep Monday posts aligned with the #ManicureMonday theme. 

One of my first steps is to use the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover. A cool tingly gel that you apply over your cuticles, leave a few minutes and then push down. Simple. I then like to buff down my nails to get rid of any ridges. The Nails Inc 4-Way Buffer is my go to tool for this step. Sometimes I just leave my nails after using this as it helps to create shiny, healthy nails. 

After using my chosen polish and leaving it a few minutes to dry I use the Rimmel Finishing Touch Ultra Shine Top Coat. This stuff is a hero product in my beauty books. Infact, it's probably a number 1 in my nail polish collection. It not only provides a seriously good shine but it reaaally helps against chipping. The price is the final bonus. I can't recommend this product enough. 

Finally, I spray my nails with the Mavala Mavadry Spray because who has time to wait around for their manicure to dry? This stuff dries my nails in seconds.

What are your favourite things to help with your DIY manicure?

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Rimmel Salon Pro

It's a rare occasion that I keep the same colour manicure for over two weeks. However, the Rimmel Salon Pro formula in the shade Hip Hop has been ticking many buttons over here! Before I rave about the colour I just want to talk about the formula. It contains 'lycra' which is supposed to make this polish 'ultra flexible.' Now, I have no idea what that means in terms of effects, but I can say that the polish is very easy to apply. But ultimately it is the chip-proof quality of this polish which makes it a keeper. I took this photo after wearing it for 4 days. Despite the slight chip on one finger I think that's pretty impressive. Lets just appreciate 4 days of no chips (both hands up emoji here please!). 

In London we have been having a bit of a heat wave so the bright read/orange tones of this have helped me to channel my summer spirit. Also, if you were a fan of Chanel's summer polish Holiday then this is a perfect dupe for that famous shade. At £4.49 these polishes have to be a firm favourite for the DIY manicure. What are your favourite polishes for summer? 

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Topshop Silver Spoon

The other day I could resist but pick up this Topshop polish in the shade Silver Spoon. As it wasn't a shade of blue I felt the purchase was justified. I definitely need to widen the range of colour in my nail polish collection. A lilacy, silvery colour, it just stood out to me as different. At first I was a little disappointed that it had a matt-ike texture (you know I'm all about the shiny topcoat) but fell in love as I realised the meaning behind its name. It catches the light so well, enhancing the silvery tones of the polish. I think this is going to be a firm favourite in my collection. Unfortunately there wasn't a link online for this so hopefully you can find it in your local Topshop!

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Essie Maximillian Strasse-Her

I have not stopped wearing this shade for the past two weeks. An old classic in my collection but one I haven't shared here,  Essie Maximillian Strasse-Her. Whilst the name defeats me, the colour is a real container in my nail polish draw. Yes, I know I love the blues but I think this can be accepted as  more of a green/grey/blue…you know what I mean?! I think this is the perfect 'I don't know what to wear shade' in the difficult season transitions.

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Essie Winter Collection

If you follow me on instagram then you will know that I was a rather happy girl the other week when I bought two Essie polishes and was treated to a free gift! Three small little nail polishes that make their Winter Collection. (Unfortunately the link isn't on the boots website anymore, but I know it's still in store.)

In the midst of writing essays I use my breaks to make the crucial decision of what am I going to have on my nails for Christmas Day. I know, a big decision in my world!

At the moment I am experimenting with a candy cane (sort-of) effect. The shades from the collection I have used are Jump in my Jumpsuit, a perfect Christmas red, with the gorgeous Christmas gold Jiggle hi Jiggle low. Aren't the names just fab!

Although I've enjoyed wearing this I think I've got a better idea for Christmas! Watch this space as I will reveal all next week! What are your favourite Christmas polishes?

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AW Purple Polishes

Things have taken a serious turn around in my nail polish diaries. To the friends who know me as blue polish obsessed, you won't believe this post! October saw me turn over a fresh Autumnal leaf as I began to purchase and wear more purple toned polishes. 

I'll admit at first that BarryM Nail Paint in Vintage Violet is very similar, if not just a hint lighter, than Nails Inc in New Oxford Street. These have been my go to shades since October. Whilst the gel effects formula is pretty darn impressive, if your adamant to stick to budget BarryM is the perfect dupe. 

A formula I can never find a fault with is the Rimmel Salon Pro and in the shade Urban Purple I'm always set for the favourite Autumn Winter season. It brightens up those khaki brown uniforms that arise in my wardrobe this time of year. 

Essie Luxedo may trick you here. Whilst it may seem very dark, almost black at first, upon application and in certain lights all is revealed as a dark, deep set red. I find this shade rather sophisticated - a suitable shade for the darker nights. 

What are your favourite AW shades?

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Nails Inc New Oxford Street

Whilst I may dislike the early dark nights when it comes to makeup Autumn is always my favourite season. The past two weeks I've put on a good effort with reaching for the browns and the berrys rather than my usual golds. 

So the other day when I was rummaging through my nail polished I reached for this new one Nails Inc Gel Effect in New Oxford Street. It's a lovely, deep burgundy/plum toned purple which I think is perfectly appropriate for this time of the year. I also have to praise the Nails Inc formula, the shine is seriously pressive and I'm yet to report of a chip! 

Next month though I think I'm going to have to purchase that dreamy Nails Inc Snowflake polish!

What are your favourite Autumnal polishes?

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A Green Discovery

If you're a regular reader over here then you will be aware of my blue colour nail polish obsession.  Believe me, it's an unhealthy love. However at the weekend I decided to raid my mums stash of polishes. She's got quiet an impressive collection (I think over 70 polishes if I can remember) that I really will have to share with you one day - you'll have to see it to believe it!

Anyhow, during my rummage about I came across this little green gem known from Topshop titled Eclipse. I loved this metallic pigment shade and it certainly makes a change from my plain shades of blue. I will admit I forgot how much appreciate the Topshop nail polishes as so far I have no chips, and Im on day three which is a good record in my books! 

What are your favourite Topshop shades?

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Summer Nail Polish Favourites

Now we all know I'm a lover of blue nail polish. But these past few months I've seen a new me in my nail polish grabbing actions. Step aside blues I've been needing pinks and some hot corals.

So, lets start from pinky to thumb. Rimmel's Salon Pro in Cocktail Passion (the nail always contributes to whether I should buy it or not!) 

I wore this Bourjouis 1 second formula in Turquoise in my last video and realised how much I love this shade and formula. The bright turquoise blue colour is the perfect shade to compliment the summer tans whilst the formula is chip proof. And trust me when I say that as my polish usually lasts 2 days whereas this lasts me nearly a week!

Chanel Holiday will forever be on the luxury nail polish wish list, but I suppose who really needs after finding Rimmel  60 Second Formula in Sun Downer.  The brush is fantastic and the colour is so similar to holiday. 

Now I have to have a blue in there somewhere. And who doesn't love Essie Bikini So Teeny. Pale blue with sparkly bits in...this is love in a bottle. Enough said.

Finally Clinique Happy Heart is just the perfect summer heat coral. I will admit that I find this formula a bit of frustrating in terms of chipping so I prefer to use it as my pedicure colour.

What are your favourite summer polishes?

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Another shade of blue.

 

We all know how I feel about my blue nail polishes - you can remind yourself here. But I do admit that when I went to the Essie counter the other day I was on the hunt for a summer pink, not a blue. I promise. However, this little beauty, Fashion Playground called out to me. A light, almost duck egg blue-pistachio shade with tiny glitter particles in. This is Essie's Bikini So Teeny but FolkesThinks style. The only frustrating thing is it does take a few coats to get this shade up to scratch, however the colour is worth the patience. 

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Nails Inc Piccadilly Circus

Last night I was searching for the perfect shade for my nails. After a freeeezing few days I was getting into the Autumn mood. However, could I find any appropriate fall shade in my nail draw? Not at all. So off I went to my mums draw. Now, if you thought I was a nail varnish addict then you haven't met my mother. She counted her nail varnishes once. Eighty Four. Yes, that's right ladies and gents. Eighty Four. Enough said.

So, with that collection it is no surprise that I managed to find my desired shade. Say hello to Nails Inc Piccadilly Circus. This, in my opinion, is the perfect autumnal shade. Mullbery/damson-esque: it perfectly sets the tone.

Now all I need is to add it to my collection.

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Festive nails

It is this time of the year that the trend of sparkle comes along. For me, this year this has been best achieved in the product of the glitter nail varnish. What better to get you in the Christmas nails than looking down and seeing wonderful sparkles on your finger tips. 

In terms of best value for money I would have to recommend the Rimmel and Topshop products! For less than £6 (providing you use a top and base coat!) you really do get a fabulous, festive finish.

Rimmel Precious Stone £3.99

Topshop Nails in Mercury Risin £6

This product is not as blingy as the above, and this photo definitely does not do it justice. But if you are looking for a subtle shimmer and festive red then definitely look no further than Essie Thigh High. As you know from previous posts I love an Essie polish. Indeed it is more than Rimmel or Topshop, but I would definitely say it is worth it!

Essie 'Thigh High' £7.95 (boots only price)

Now I just wanted to include two high end products. Mainly just to drool over in my student case! However, if you are lucky enough to splurge out then I would look no further than these two! The Opi will give you first time results with a serious case of sparkle, and you wont have to find yourself doing many coats to achieve the desired finish. Finally, for overall beautiful packaging and finish then just look at Estee Lauder: Christmas perfection!

Opi Goldeneye 007 Skyfall collection £11

Estee Lauder Nail Enamel in Chaos £14.50

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Essie addict...

(LtR) Watermelon - Orange, its obvious! - Lapiz of Luxury - Mint Candy Apple - Navigate her

S/S 12 colours Orange, its obvious! & Navigate her



Essie nail varnishes, as you can tell, have become my all time faveourite nail varnishes. I came across them after make-up artist Tanya Burr and beauty vlogger FleurDeForce reviewed them in their joint monthly haul. Originally from America we have had to wait a while for Essie to arrive in England. When I finally saw them in my local boots store I actually jumped up and down with excitement - yes, a true sign that I am a beauty geek!These nail varnishes have indeed lived up to their excellent reviews. There colours are always vibrant, keeping up with high fashion trends, they have fantastic names and beautiful, clean packaging. Most importantly they are chip resistant, high durable and leave a top-coat shine effect: there is no doubt that they are well worth their price! Although I have 5 to my collection now, my faveourite has to be 'Lapiz of luxury', a beautiful, stand-out blue which never fails to receive compliments from my friends!

                                                                Seche Vite - Dry fast top coat

However, I could not talk about Essie nail product and not mention the AMAZING top coat I used over them! Instead of a top makeup blogger it was actually my mum who recommended me this varnish, and now we would both never paint out nails without using Seche Vite.  The first time I used it I could not get over its high-shine wow factor finish, and it still leaves me shocked at the result it creates. Although it is quite pricey, £9 a bottle, I cannot talk about it highly enough. Every nail polish addict needs this in there collection!!

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