Showing posts with label Nail Polish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nail Polish. Show all posts

My Little Box: Road Trip Box

Saturday, 29 August 2015

Hello loves,

My little present arrived again and I thought I'd share it with you again. Some people don't have the money to subscribe to a beauty box every month, but it is still nice to see what is inside. I haven't been too keen on the amount of time this box has taken to deliver, so I may be cancelling it. It seems a shame to cancel it, however I may have to start saving my money for a bigger project that may involve travelling...

This month the theme of My Little Box was based on Road Trips that you take and I really liked the majority of items in this box. Obviously some items will be saved until I next travel, but it is so nice to have these little items in case!








Each month you get a sweet little postcard-style print with a unique picture to sum up the box. This is drawn by Kanako. I am in love with these prints and I've started using them in a picture frame that I keep next to my bed. It looks super cute, inspires me and keeps me positive. There is also a small magazine with lots of beauty inspired chat, Parisienne quips and new bloggers to keep your beady little eye on.

The first official item that formed part of the box was this sweet little travel organiser. It is made from plastic, but doesn't feel flimsy. There are seperate compartments for travel tickets, passport, credit/debit card and pen - however there is also a nifty compartment across the entire travel wallet where it can multi-task as a waterproof storage wallet for tech products or documents. It has a sliding opener (<-- super technical term there!), also known as a zip lock. Haha, got there in the end.




Digging a bit deeper into the box, I found the cutest little notebook. It is a two-in-one stationary item, where you can use it as a little notebook to write to someone about your travels and then send it to them. It folds into an envelope. My Little Box has also thoughtfully included a very nice pen. When I travel it is so nice to take time to do as little as possible, this action would be what Italians call 'Il bel far niente (dolce far niente)' meaning 'the sweetness of doing nothing'. Writing feels like that for me.



The box also includes a travel-sized bottle of Garnier Micellar Water, which is an awesome way to clean any make-up and pollutants off your skin at the end of the day. I've got my larger bottle at home, and will definitely take this smaller size on holiday. There is also a My Little Beauty aftersun body gelee. Again it is a convenient size, and smells so nice - a bit sweet but not sickly. Great for applying after a bit too much sun.

There is an Essie nail polish called 'Haute in the heat', which is the prettiest red/pink I have ever clapped my eyes on. I painted my toes with this nail polish the day I got it. It is a real cosmopolitan-looking colour that will make a holiday in the city, on the beach or anywhere really oh-so-sensational! And the final item that seals the box-deal (literally) is the gold temporary body tattoos that you can apply for that extra touch of glamour.

Overall, I couldn't fault this box. It is ridiculously practical for any type of holiday, and as I mentioned previously, I'm saving mine for the right moment to use all the lovely gifts.

September is the time that I'll be heading off on a roadtrip to France, so that will ofcourse be the perfect time for using these cute items.

Where would you use these items?


Il bel far niente (dolce far niente)

Three Words I Learned From Eat, Pray, Love

When I first read Eat, Pray, Love last year I admit I had very little sympathy for Elizabeth Gilbert. I couldn’t relate to her journey – at least not all of it. I was painfully familiar with her story of depression, emotional eating and spiritual quest, but I didn’t have all the relationship baggage she was carrying. So, my first reaction to her decision to travel the world in search of herself was judgmental – she was running away! Perhaps there was a bit of envy as well. I couldn’t imagine having the luxury of leaving my friends, family and responsibilities behind to find happiness in a strange land.
I had my own troubles at the time I read the book. I would have liked to flee from my life for a while. But if I were to find happiness, I’d have to do it somewhere between the football field and dance class. I’d have to conquer my own demons eating Teddy Grahams straight from the box, not pizza from Naples. And I’d have to find the God that dwells within me as I meditated over my laundry basket. Finally, in a house of five people and no medicine man, I would have to learn to love myself without losing myself. And, I didn’t have a book advance to make it all a bit easier. Bitter? Yes, a bit.
But as I traveled with Liz to Italy, India and Indonesia, I began to appreciate her courage. She devoted an awareness to her happiness that many of us never allow ourselves to explore. Through her journey, I learned many lessons that I am grateful she shared with the world.
My Three Favorite Words:
Liz learned many new words on her odyssey – and her appreciation for language and meaning was inspirational. Here are my new favorite words (and the remarkable concepts they convey), thanks to the extraordinary family Elizabeth Gilbert discovered in Italy, India and Indonesia:
Il bel far niente (dolce far niente)
- See more at: http://www.theresaceniccola.com/motherhood/eat-pray-love/#sthash.2GrJadIs.dpuf

Three Words I Learned From Eat, Pray, Love

When I first read Eat, Pray, Love last year I admit I had very little sympathy for Elizabeth Gilbert. I couldn’t relate to her journey – at least not all of it. I was painfully familiar with her story of depression, emotional eating and spiritual quest, but I didn’t have all the relationship baggage she was carrying. So, my first reaction to her decision to travel the world in search of herself was judgmental – she was running away! Perhaps there was a bit of envy as well. I couldn’t imagine having the luxury of leaving my friends, family and responsibilities behind to find happiness in a strange land.
I had my own troubles at the time I read the book. I would have liked to flee from my life for a while. But if I were to find happiness, I’d have to do it somewhere between the football field and dance class. I’d have to conquer my own demons eating Teddy Grahams straight from the box, not pizza from Naples. And I’d have to find the God that dwells within me as I meditated over my laundry basket. Finally, in a house of five people and no medicine man, I would have to learn to love myself without losing myself. And, I didn’t have a book advance to make it all a bit easier. Bitter? Yes, a bit.
But as I traveled with Liz to Italy, India and Indonesia, I began to appreciate her courage. She devoted an awareness to her happiness that many of us never allow ourselves to explore. Through her journey, I learned many lessons that I am grateful she shared with the world.
My Three Favorite Words:
Liz learned many new words on her odyssey – and her appreciation for language and meaning was inspirational. Here are my new favorite words (and the remarkable concepts they convey), thanks to the extraordinary family Elizabeth Gilbert discovered in Italy, India and Indonesia:
Il bel far niente (dolce far niente)
- See more at: http://www.theresaceniccola.com/motherhood/eat-pray-love/#sthash.2GrJadIs.dpuf

My Little Box - June

Sunday, 28 June 2015

Hello darlings,

Oh the long await has ceased. The one treat each month that I look forward to has got to be My Little Box. This box of French Pariesienne gorgeousness lands on your doorstep at the mid-way point of the month. However, this month it was a bit later on in the month due to technical difficulties or perhaps design issue?

Nevertheless, there is nothing nicer than receiving something a little bit different. I have to say it is refreshing from the normal beauty boxes and gives you more options for new items.

So without further ado...I will show you what it contained.




Kanako designs and draws the beautiful covers of each box. The box has a unique theme every month - with June being themed around the 'French Riviera'.

Sunglasses by Sarah Lavoine
These sweet little beauties are the most flattering sepia toned sunglasses perfect for most facial shapes. This will be a staple for my handbag, pool tote or generally just for summer.

Woven Printed Planters
Perhaps not something you'd expect to receive in a monthly subscription box, but such a cool item to add to your home decor. Adding plants or any pot into these woven pot stands create a cool aqua-theme you won't regret having around. Too cute.

Sailor Scrub - Salty Fresh
Summer is synonymous with smooth skin and body scrubs to achieve smooth skin. This is made with sea salt and ajonc water. One whiff of this beauty and you'll be transported straight to the seaside. Great way to get beach ready for those summer hols.

Kerastase Ciment Thermique
Having tried quite a few products from the range, a small whoop may have escaped my lips when I saw this product. This is actually a heat activated treatment (milky white in texture) to smooth out split ends, increases shine, stops breakage and creates a lovely smoothness. Having used this already, I can guarantee that it really works, smells great and leaves hair silky smooth.

Loved by Sarah Lavoine Nail Polish in 501
This nail polish is the prettiest shade of teal ever. I've already tried it and it looks lovely on the nails. I don't have any shade that is similar to this one, so that was a lovely bonus. Another summer staple from My Little Box.

The box is pretty - there is no doubt - but best of all it is filled with items that will fast become summer essentials for whatever activities you participate in.


Sunglasses by Sarah Lavoine
How on trend are these SL sunnies right now? They've got the perfect nineties vibe finished off in a sepia toned frame. Obviously they're the perfect addition to any handbag, pool tote, trekking rucksack... or whatever else you may be carrying this summer.
- See more at: http://www.ramblingofabeautyblogger.com/2015/06/my-little-french-riviera-box-june-2015.html#more

Sunglasses by Sarah Lavoine
How on trend are these SL sunnies right now? They've got the perfect nineties vibe finished off in a sepia toned frame. Obviously they're the perfect addition to any handbag, pool tote, trekking rucksack... or whatever else you may be carrying this summer.

Woven Printed Planters
Honestly, these are the last things I expected in a monthly subscription box. More over I didn't gauge just how excited I would be! I'm not massively into gardening but I have managed to keep a cactus a good friend gave me (and it's babies) alive since I was 7 and this would be the cutest way to give it a new home from its current terrarium.

Sailor Scrub - Salty Fresh
There is something about summer and smooth skin that goes hand in hand. After misplacing my beloved Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub whilst moving, this little miracle is about to get a ton of use. Plus, it will make the perfect bathroom addition - how cute are those anchors?

Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique by L'Oreal
To me, hair care means anything I can do in 30 seconds or less and I can see this travel sized anti-roughness/anti-dullness blow-dry milk coming in handy for a no-fuss smoothing treatment.

Loved by Sarah Lavoine Nail Polish (501)
This nail polish is identical to the colour of my bathroom. It's bright, bold and beautiful. As soon as my Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Polish in Coconut becomes unwearable, we'll ignore it for a few days and then have a crack at using this.

- See more at: http://www.ramblingofabeautyblogger.com/2015/06/my-little-french-riviera-box-june-2015.html#more
Sunglasses by Sarah Lavoine
How on trend are these SL sunnies right now? They've got the perfect nineties vibe finished off in a sepia toned frame. Obviously they're the perfect addition to any handbag, pool tote, trekking rucksack... or whatever else you may be carrying this summer.

Woven Printed Planters
Honestly, these are the last things I expected in a monthly subscription box. More over I didn't gauge just how excited I would be! I'm not massively into gardening but I have managed to keep a cactus a good friend gave me (and it's babies) alive since I was 7 and this would be the cutest way to give it a new home from its current terrarium.

Sailor Scrub - Salty Fresh
There is something about summer and smooth skin that goes hand in hand. After misplacing my beloved Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub whilst moving, this little miracle is about to get a ton of use. Plus, it will make the perfect bathroom addition - how cute are those anchors?

Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique by L'Oreal
To me, hair care means anything I can do in 30 seconds or less and I can see this travel sized anti-roughness/anti-dullness blow-dry milk coming in handy for a no-fuss smoothing treatment.

Loved by Sarah Lavoine Nail Polish (501)
This nail polish is identical to the colour of my bathroom. It's bright, bold and beautiful. As soon as my Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Polish in Coconut becomes unwearable, we'll ignore it for a few days and then have a crack at using this.

- See more at: http://www.ramblingofabeautyblogger.com/2015/06/my-little-french-riviera-box-june-2015.html#more

Nailbox May 2015 Review

Saturday, 20 June 2015

Hello darlings,

So finally my first proper beauty related post is here.

Very excitingly, I'm reviewing the May 2015 Nailbox*. Haven't heard of Nailbox yet? Where have you been?!

Beauty boxes have become a natural way of life for those in the 'beauty-know' or those that are just plain obsessed with beauty. But the choice is incredible. But alas...there was a gap in the market...

No-one catered to those ladies that love doing their nails.  In to the spotlight steps Nailbox with their amazing selection of nail polishes.  So here we go!



What is inside?  
Orly's 'Fiery Orange Chunky Glitter', Essie's 'Status Symbol', Rimmel's in 'Lucky Lilac', Nicole by O.P.I.'s 'Alex by the Books' and Elegant Touch's Professional Cuticle Pusher and Nail Cleaner.

What is Nailbox? 
Nailbox is an affordable and practical way to keep on top of the latest nail trends and colours.  With their passion for nail polish and nail art, Nailbox have quite literally hit the nail on the head.  Pun intended. Their monthly selection of colours means you'll always have beautiful nails in on trend colours to cover any event from day-to-day, parties and even Christmas time.

How does it work?
Nailbox is a subscription based service so you will have to decide what term you'd like to subscribe for.
There are four available plans ranging in different prices:
1) Month to month will cost you £15 per month
2) 3 Month prepaid will cost you £14.50 per month
3) 6 Month prepaid will cost you £14 per month
4) 12 Monthly prepaid will cost you £13.50 per month

All these prices include free delivery! Bargain!  These prices will ensure you are sent three to four nail colours each month around the 21st of the month.  Parcels are sent with Royal Mail Tracked Postage.




Polishes in the box:

1.  Orly in 50007 - Fiery Orange Chunck Glitter 11mL retailing at £9.50
This is an orange tinted jelly base filled with different sized glitter particles, which can be worn over a solid colour or just by itself. The glitter is holographic and changes colour in light. Orly has an easy grip lid for ease of application and a standard applicator brush. Application is a breeze, the glitter spreads easily onto the nail and the polish dries very quickly. I applied one coat of Leighton Denny's 'Hanky-Panky' and afterwards applied the glitter coat. I love the results and would definitely wear this again and again.


2.  Essie in 26 - Status Symbol 13.5mL retailing for £7.99
This is a creamy, feisty hot pink nail polish from Essie's range of gorgeous polishes. This picture doesn't do the pink justice! It is a darker pink ranging close to coral colours, but is so unique. Wear this in the summer and you are sure to be showered with compliments galore. The Essie polishes have a wider application brush, which means you need fewer strokes to cover the nail. Two coats will give a completely opaque coverage but leave around 20 minutes for drying. This is my new favourite to replace my corals.

3.  Rimmel in 670 - Lucky Lilac 8mL retailing for £3.99
This is the prettiest pinky-purple offering from Rimmel. Obviously the colour explains it perfectly with 'lilac'. The 60-second nail polishes from Rimmel dry in 1 minute flat and is super shiny.  One coat is enough to cover the nail and give opaque coverage. The applicator brush is wider than average so one to two strokes will properly cover the nail. A bread-and-butter polish worth it's salt.


4.  Nicole by O.P.I. in NIF07 - Alex by the Books 15mL retailing at £7.99
Inspired by the TV series 'Modern Families', Alex by the Books is the prettiest mint seafoam green creme. This nail polish is on par with O.P.I. polishes and has the regular sized applicator brush. The colour will be opaque on the nail with two coats and is very easy to apply.


And finally....

Bonus:  Elegant Touch Cuticle Pusher & Nail Cleaner retailing at £9.50
This tool is literally amazing! There is a fair weight to it and this gives you more control on comfortably tidying the cuticles and underneath the nail. The body has excellent grib via gripped ridging. It is made from high quality stainless steel and coated in enamel. Best of all it is covered with a 5 year guarantee.

This box was unbelievable value for money.  The entire box has an RRP of £38.97 and would generally cost around £15. Well worth the fabulous nails and the time.

Definitely have a look at Nailbox immediately and subscribe if nails are your thing...or even if it is not.








*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Nailbox. All opinions are my own and formulated by trying the products independently.

Official Fashion Colour of the Spring: Radiant Orchid

Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Good evening lovelies!

Tonight brings a slightly later post then normal, but it has been a busy few days. I'm officially over January and all the blues it brings. Actually, stuff it, I'm over Winter!

I'm incredibly excited for the Spring/Summer season 2014 and can't wait for an updated wardrobe! It is my favourite time of year with the warmer weather and fun times to be had.

A new season means new 'it' colours, and this year the spring/summer season means that Radiant Orchid is that cool colour that everyone is going to want to be seen in.  This past Winter season it was 'Ox Blood'.



From left to right: READY eye shadow in The Dream Sequence, £29, bareMinerals;  Krista dress, £139, Hobbs London;  Stila lip balm in Gemma, £16, Space NK;  Nails Inc nail polish in Devonshire Row, £11, ASOS;  Aspinal leather iPad case, £125, Selfridges;  Low heels, £35, ASOS  

This colour is basically a fuschia purple colour, but hot damn I love it!  It is about time that purple made big a splash on the catwalks and beauty counters!  I'll certainly be getting myself the nail polish and lippy!

I think it is a universally flattering colour on various skin tones, but would look especially amazing against African-American skin tones!  It is like a deeply coloured gem almost. Just stunning.

Will you be wearing this colour?

Summer Nail Art

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Now's the perfect time to break out of your plain nail polish routine and try something bright, bold, and fun

 

Electric Orange Tips 
Give a traditional French manicure a fun and summery twist by using a neon polish for your tips. Simply paint your nails any sheer nude shade, and once that is completely dry paint your tips in a bright orange, like Zoya in Paz, £8. For extra precision while drawing on the tips, use a thin paintbrush (you can buy one at any craft store). Finish with a clear topcoat.














Orange and Mint Triangles Don't have a steady hand but still want a complicated-looking nail art style? Try this scotch tape trick. Cut pieces of scotch tape into triangles and then paint them any bright color of your choice. A bright shade like Essie in Orange It's Obvious, £8, works really well. Let the painted tape pieces dry.

Next, paint your nails in color that contrasts well, like Essie in Mint Candy Apple. Wait five minutes for this to dry, and then carefully apply each triangle tape at the tips of your nails. For extra control, use a pair of tweezers to place
the pieces of tape. Press down on the triangles firmly, and then apply a topcoat. 

 

 

 

Neon Stripes Stripes 

are one of the easiest, no-brainer nail art designs. The trick is to go for thicker stripes, because they're easier to paint on than delicate thin lines. To get this look, paint your nails in a bright pink shade like Ciate in Cupcake Queen, £12. Let this dry for five minutes, and then using a bright yellow like Ciate in Big Yellow Taxi, draw a slightly off-center vertical line down each nail. Let this dry and finish with a clear topcoat.  








Pastel Rainbow 

This pastel mixed-color mani requires absolutely zero nail art skills, but it still has a trendy, beachy vibe. You can use any five pastel shades of your choice -- one for each nail. Essie, £8 each, has some gorgeous pastel options like Mint Candy Apple, French Affair, Coat Azure, Tart Deco, and Pop Art Pink. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Grey Half Moons  

The half moon style is essentially an opposite French manicure. Instead of the tips, you are highlighting just above your cuticles, creating a half moon. First paint your nails in a neutral shade. A soft gray like Essie in Chinchilly, £8, works nicely. Let this dry completely.

Next, paint over your nails in a bright shade like Butter LONDON in Primrose Hill Picnic, £12. But do not paint your nails entirely. Instead, leave a gray crescent shape just above your cuticles. For more precision, you can use a thin paintbrush to create the half moon shape. Finish with a clear topcoat. 

 

 

 

Enjoy these amazing nail art ideas...

 

Sunshine and happiness...

 

Nails Inc Concrete

Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Good morning girlies!

I'm loving the new nail trends that are constantly being updated at the moment.  It is so much fun to find new glitter nail polishes, velvet nails and all these crazy things the nail guru's are thinking of.

No nail polish brand has been so much at the forefront of "new" ideas as Nails Inc.  They are constantly updating their colour pallette's and coming up with completely unique and fashionable ideas to make your nails look ah-mazing!

As soon as I saw one of their products called 'Concrete Nails' I had to blog about it! 

From left to right:  Momentum, Stonehenge, Marble Arch, London Wall.



The nail varnish applies and dries with a grainy, bumpy texture. 

Despite what you may think the colour distributes evenly and applies like any other varnish, just when it dries it gives the feeling of Concrete.

The nail colours are bold and bright - perfect for the Spring/Summer and the nude/grey shade is perfect for right now.

I thought these varnishes would be similar to glitter ones - ie. an absolute nightmare to get off, but I was pleasantly surprised and it came off as easy as a normal colour would.
A simple nail art design that quick and easy to do.

Use yours in a more interesting way and paint only one finger, tips or a moon shape for something more adventurous.
The only downside really is you'll want to stroke your fingers all day.

You can get your mitts on these polishes at Boots, Nails Inc Online and QVC to name but a few.

They retail at £12 per bottle.

Hope you enjoy checking these out :-)



Nail Polish Favourites

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Good morning all!

I'm an absolute nail polish junkie!  It's a fact that I can't walk past Boots or a nail polish stand without inspecting or buying a colour or two.  I'd literally try anything - I'm not pretending like I'm very good, but I'm up for anything new and different.

So here are some picks of favourite nail polishes:


There's no guarantee that the sky will remain this shade of azure blue over the summer, but you can ensure a bright day with a slick of this colour-popping polish
POP Beauty nail polish in Pacific Hoot, £13 (part of a set of three), exclusive at ASOS.com












If you're a die-hard red polish kind of gal, opt for a warmer shade for the summer months - I love this tomato-y hue
B. Quick One-coat professional finish nail polish in Bang, £4.99, Superdrug
















Pastel shades made for the prettiest fingernails - and what's more, this Models Own polish is scented with a fruity fragrance
Models Own scented nail polish in Banana Split, £5, ASOS.com
















Chanel's new-for-summer Azuré nail polish has me longing to swim in the sea
Le Vernis nail polish in Azuré, £18, Chanel (available 31st May)

















This gorgeous green nail varnish from Toppers is called Rad - and it's certainly that
Nail polish in Rad, £5, Topshop



















Nails were pale and interesting on the runways at Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone and Stella McCartney - get the look with celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann's white polish
Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Like A Virgin, £14, exclusively at House of Fraser












Forget nail art; the hottest trend in nails right now is feather-effect polish
Nails Inc. Feathers nail polish in Chester, £11, ASOS.com
















Not only is Illamasqua's UV polish very pretty...



















...it also glows in the dark! Too cool.
UV nail polish in Séance, £15, Illamasqua


















Ciate's super-fun Caviar Manicure will make your nails look like they're covered in hundreds and thousands - sweet!
Caviar Manicure nail polish set in Tutti Frutti, £18, Ciate















Coral is a summer nail colour classic and looks particularly great against a tan - this new shade from M&S is the perfect hue
Limited Edition nail polish in Bright Coral, £3.50, Marks & Spencer
















Add a slick of neon polish to your nails for an instant on-trend update
Models Own nail polish in Pink Punch, £5, Boots and modelsownit.com

















Orange is having a moment right now, and a zesty nail varnish is the easiest way into the trend
NARS nail polish in Madness, £14.50, ASOS.com
















High-shine metallics are big news this season thanks to the likes of Burberry Prorsum and Jonathan Saunders
Summer Party In A Bottle 3D glitter polish in Grosvenor Gardens, £11, Nails Inc














So these picks should take you through colder weather AND those lovely summer months when highly polished nails will make ALL the difference.

Hope you enjoy and see a couple that takes your fancy.

 
 
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