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.

New Everyday Beauty Essentials

Good morning,

I'm always looking out for the next beauty find that will settle my cravings for makeup, skincare, haircare and health care.  So any new products are always very much on my radar!

Here is the latest collection of beauty finds I'd like to share with you:

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors

The three latest shades – Rosewood, Candy and Petal – are great everyday hues. If, like me, you find lip glosses too ‘done’ and gloopy, the gel based formula of these Lip Perfectors gives you pigment-rich colour that are kind of textureless, in a good way - lips are smooth but feel completely natural and product-free.

Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Triple Action Cleanser/Toner/Make-up Remover

Perfecting a skincare regime is very grown up and ladylike, but, let’s face it, sometimes you just can’t be bothered. This 3-in-1 product is a dream – just lather on and wash off make-up while cleansing and toning in the process. I love the peachy soft feel of skin after use and, since using, sporadic outbreaks of spots have happily disappeared.

Lancôme Blush Subtil Palette

Who doesn’t wish for Kate Moss-esque cheekbones? Living up to its billing as an all-in-one contour, blush and highlighter, this compact (in Rose Blush) is an easy way to chisel your face. Used with a light touch, this is the best contouring palette I’ve tried.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Balm

This is being marketed as a ‘hybrid moisturiser’ and I would agree. A cross between Clarins Flash Balm and Elemis Pro-Collagen Cream, the balm sinks straight into skin and works as a great glow-giving primer. The neroli and lemon scent is lush – I’m totally addicted.  I love the great products that Elemis offer and these deals on QVC is also worth looking at to safe money in bundles.  Check Ebay to buy Elemis samples for smaller prices to try  before you buy (the full size product). ;-)

Colour Wow One-Minute Transformation Miracle Styling Cream

For those that wake up to find their hair flattened to their crown, smooth a dollop of this from root to tip and blast the unruly section with a hairdryer for just-washed looking locks. The groundbreaking silicone formula also transforms frizzy ends into silky lengths - seriously.

Seche Fast Dry One Coat Nail Polish

The Seche Fast Dry Top Coat is a cult product beloved by backstage manicurists. The new Fast Dry One Coat Nail Polish is equally good, my favourite shade being Portobello, a taupe neutral in line with this seasons trend for nude nails (seen at nearly every LFW s/s 13 show). Rich in pigment, you only need one coat (though I prefer two) and it dries rock hard. It’s giving my favourite, Rimmel Pro Beige Babe, a run for its money.

Soap & Glory Puffy Eye Attack Turbo-Boost Hydragel 

Eye creams are my nemesis. I cannot recall the number I’ve sampled in the quest to banish my panda eyes and squidgy undereye bags, all to very little avail. I do feel like this has improved them, at a very good price point. Containing botanical peptides, usually only found in premium eyecare ranges, the quick-melt gel has an instant cooling, de-puffing effect, which I’ve amped up by sticking it in the fridge before use each morning. And I can safe up my Boots points to get this free. Bargain!!

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

OK, this one has been out for a few months but it needs a mention because it’s great. I’ve tried innumerable foundations but my stalwart is Chanel Vitalumiere, found in the kit of every make up artist worth their salt. I still love it, but this is the closest contender I’ve found. The range of shades are great, particularly for pale skin (why are so many ‘ivory’ foundation shades, in fact, tan?) and it gives a light, dewy finish. Clearly, everyone’s complexion differs, but for £6.99 it’s absolutely worth a try.


So those are my current every day picks for new beauty.  I'm very excited about all of these and would love to find out which products you've recently discovered!

Stay sweet,

Beauty on a Budget

Hi everyone,

Sorry for not posting so frequently in the past few days - things have been turned upside down!

But I'm coming at you with a really interesting little post for beauty on a budget.  Here is my top picks for getting an entire look for much less than you think!

1. Collection 2000 Naturally Radiant Foundation

This beauty steal from Collection 2000 offers light-to-medium coverage with a lightweight feel. It contains SPF 15 and is transfer-proof for a flawless finish.

Luxury treat:CHANEL Pro Lumiére Professional Finish Make Up

2. Natural Collection Lash Length Mascara

For a lavish lash look, try this mascara that defines and lengthens even the stubbiest of lashes without clumping.

Luxury treat:
Dior Diorshow Mascara 

3. Maybelline Watershine Lip Gloss

You don't need to spend a lot to get a fabulously glossed pout. This one has a gel base and is formulated to give spectacular sparkle and shine without stickiness.

Luxury treat:
Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Pur Lip Gloss

4. Barry M Blusher

A light dusting of this blusher will go a long way for your complexion. Use it to warm up the apple of your cheeks and apply a dab to the bridge of your nose to create a flattering, warming effect.

Luxury treat:
Benefit Coralista Blusher

5. Miss Sporty Cover Stick

Target your skin bugbears with this concealer that will hide dark circles and blemishes. Use it alone or on top of foundation for that bit of extra coverage.

Luxury treat:
Clinique All About Eyes Airbrush Concealer 

6. Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil

There's nothing like a swipe or smudge of kohl to define eyes. Leave your line sharp and precise or soften it out with a cotton bud. This soft pencil doesn't disappoint with its long-lasting, jet black pigment-packed colour.

Luxury treat:
Estée Lauder Double Wear Eye Pencil

7. NIVEA Visage Daily Essentials Moisturising Day Cream

This moisturiser ticks all the boxes: it contains an SPF, it's easily absorbed and oil-free, so it won't clog your pores. Mix it with foundation to create a light, dewy finish with plenty of moisture, or wear it alone for a fresh look.

Luxury treat:
Clarins HydraQuench Day Cream 

8. 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick

For satin-like lip colour that will go the distance without drying out, take your pick from 17's impressive range of lipsticks. Choose a statement red shade to get more impact for your money.

Luxury treat:
Lancôme Le Rouge Absolue

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo,

Angelique

OOTD: Passion

Hello beautiful shining stars!

Today is my debut on outfit of the day, and I've decided that if it goes well with this outfit, I'll show you some more!

Jacket: Zara (similar here); Silk Vest:  River Island (similar here);  Jeans:  Matalan (found here); Shoes: Zara (sold out, except for on Ebay);  Clutch:  Next (currently obsessed with this clutch)

I knew that the restaurant that we visited was going to be smart and I didn't want to look boring.  My main aim was to remain playful but have key pieces that played the colour down.  Monochrome was the answer, along with a playful pallette of red and purple.  I loved wearing this outfit and got loads of compliments. 

My nail polish was red with a playful glitter drip effect to break up the colour slightly.  I used Rimmel base and top coat, Rimmel Cherry Red Nail Varnish and Barry M's multi-coloured glitter polish.

What do you think of this outfit?  Nom or vom?

xoxo,
Angelique

Reasons to LOVE London

Admittedly, I am a sucker for ornate pomp and circumstance, and so I always tune into the Summer Olympics. I may not be a professional athlete (I'll stick to Pilates, thank you very much) but I love the thrill of the opening ceremony, and this year the event is taking place across the pond in fabulously chic London, so I'm even more excited than usual.

We have so many reasons to love London and the UK: "Downton Abbey," Kate and William, Adele, Harry Potter. In honor of the 2012 Olympics, I've rounded up a few of my favorite British beauty products and trends, since it's no secret that us Brits know beauty.

I realised just how much us British know beauty when I studied abroad in London during college. After a semi-gross meal of bangers and mash at a pub, I wandered into a Boots pharmacy. I was amazed at the endless selection of awesome products in the makeup aisle. When it came to London's fashion and beauty, the city had me covered.

 From Twiggy's mod influence to English products like Butter London nail polish, I have compiled the ultimate list of British beauty trends and products that I think deserve a shiny gold medal.

No. 1: Kate Middleton

What is it about British royalty that has us so utterly obsessed? Maybe it has something to do with Kate Middleton's relaxed elegance and sophistication. Or maybe I just love that the Duchess of Cambridge is a down-to-earth girl who wears Zara skinny jeans and shops at the grocery store. She's just like us. Well ... sort of.

No. 2: Butter London's Olympic Collection

Butter London is paying homage to its hometown by releasing a special "Olympic Heavy Metal collection." Gold is the goal for an athlete, but in this case the bronze, silver, and gold colors are all equally shiny and pretty. And remember, you can always mix metallics, so there's nothing wrong with wearing 'em all at once.

No. 3: Vidal Sassoon's Wedge Bob

Vidal Sassoon was a visionary London hair stylist who invented the ultra-popular geometric wedge bob in the 1960s. It's still considered edgy and chic today (Victoria Beckham's angled bob is a modern spin on it). While I may not be able to pull off this daring look myself, I still feel chic using his namesake product line.

No. 4: Burberry Lip Cover

Burberry's timeless style makes it the ultimate luxury British brand. A new Burberry trench coat would wipe out my bank account, but the Burberry Lip Cover lipstick is much more affordable at only £20.28. The hydrating formula goes on silky smooth and it comes in 30 pretty shades.

No. 5: Twiggy

In the 1950s the curvy Marilyn Monroe figure was all the rage, but when rail-thin Twiggy walked on the scene in the '60s, the modeling world was completely transformed. You can easily steal Twiggy's signature mod style (even if you've got more of a Marilyn figure) by pairing a shift mini dress with heavy mascara and eyeliner.

No. 6: Soap and Glory Facial Scrub

Cheeky and fun, the Soap and Glory brand embodies the British sense of humor. This exfoliator is titled, "The Greatest Scrub of All," £9, which sounds a tad presumptuous, but it does leave you squeaky clean and so we think it lives up to its grand name.

No. 7: Jo Malone Bath Oil

I don't actually drop fresh rose petals in the tub when I take a bath (does anyone?), but with the Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil, £38, it feels like I did. It's impossible to feel stressed out after a bath in this stuff. It must be how every Brit stays so cool, calm, and collected.

No. 8: Downton Abbey Fashion

It seemed like I was the only one in the world not watching "Downton Abbey," and when I finally caught up, I was hooked. Who knew BBC could be so fashionable? Sure, the main reason to tune in is the WWI drama, but I'm even more interested in the intricate hairstyles and dresses.

No. 9: Rimmel London Mascara

Adele is one of my favorite Brits, and while I'll never sound like her when I sing in the shower, at the very least I can achieve her long lashes with the Rimmel London Lash Accelerator, £8.99.

No. 10: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

Nothing removes my stubborn mascara like the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, £14.25, and it's still super gentle on my skin. Plus, this English brand just won a UK Beauty Award for being one of the best products of the last 20 years. Not too shabby.

No. 11: Boots Body Butter

Boots Pharmacy has been around London for more than 160 years. That's an insanely long time. It's a great go-to British brand for beauty staples like this nourishing Boots Body Butter, £5.62, with natural honey extract.

No. 12: Elaborate Hats

Other than weddings or ladies day at the races, we don't wear hats that often in the U.K. But the British have mastered the art of elaborate hat wearing especially the Royals.  Ribbons, feathers, flowers, birds' nests ... really anything goes.

No. 13: Mason Pearson Hairbrushes

The Mason Pearson Brush, £38, is the Cadillac of hairbrushes. The bristles leave your hair looking healthy and shiny. No snags or snarls. Yes, the price is pretty outrageous, but it'll last forever so it's worth the splurge if you can swing it.

No. 14: Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch

Typically skulls scare me. But somehow, when they are adorned in crystals atop an Alexander McQueen clutch, they're not so frightening.

No. 15: Illamasqua Cream Blusher

Simply dab and blend this Illamasqua Cream Blusher, £16.50, with your fingers for highlighted cheekbones and a rosy glow. It's a delightfully easy process, which makes sense since the Brits are all about fuss-free beauty.











I'm so excited for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and thus I celebrate everything that is great about Great Britain.  Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

What do you like about Britain?

Repeat after me: Nude make-up is not scary

I am here to dispel a huge beauty myth. "No Makeup" makeup (or, if you prefer, "natural makeup") is not harder to apply than your regular, run o' the mill kind.

Nude makeup is quick, easy, and nearly goof-proof. Plus, it goes with just about anything and has the added benefit of helping turn up the dial on your own innate beauty without smothering it beneath some mask.

The key to pulling it off? Having the right products on hand and knowing how to use them. Here's a rundown of my must-haves along with some pro tips to get you started.

Sheer foundation

The less makeup you have on, the more natural your look; so if your skin is in good condition, feel free to skip foundation. However, if you just want to even out your complexion, use a light formula (I love the American brand COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation, £20). You can also thin out a thicker foundation by mixing it with a touch of primer or moisturizer.

To avoid those telltale "I'm wearing foundation" lines around your jaw and hairline, celebrity makeup artist and Make-up Designory instructor Cyndi Welch advises matching foundation to your neck and chest, which tend to be darker than your face.

Luminizing concealer

Healthy skin has a bit of shine to it. But if yours looks more dull than dewy, fake it 'till you make it with a luminizing concealer (try Givenchy Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen, £21.90). Just apply it where light would naturally hit your best features (e.g., your browbone, cheekbones, cupid's bow, etc.). You can also use it to conceal dark circles and balance out uneven color around the creases of your nose.

Nude lips

When choosing a nude lip shade, common mistakes include going matte or trying to match the color of your skin exactly. Both of these acts will make you look unhealthy and too pale. To add warmth to your face, go for a neutral, satin-finish lipstick with a slight peach or pink tint to it instead. (Try Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick in #003, £5.49.)

To give your lip color more staying power, use a lip liner that does match your lips beneath your lipstick. (Try 17 Lipliner in Buff, £2.49.)

Creamy cheeks

With nude makeup, it's easy to look washed out. The best way to avoid this is to apply a rosy cream blush, which can look more natural than a powder blush, on the apples of your cheeks. (Try Nars Cream Blush in Lokoum, £20.50.) For a sun-kissed look, add a touch of tawny (for darker skin) or peachy (for lighter skin) bronzer along your cheekbones, too. (Try Nars Multiple Bronzer, £29.) Blend your cheeks well for a barely-there effect.

Note: If you are using powder formulas instead of cream formulas and the results look too dusty, mist some water over your face and let it sink in.

Precision brow pencil

Brows frame the face, which is a definite necessity when bright colors aren't around to steal the show. Keep them groomed and shaded in with a soft, fine-point brow pencil. (Try DiorShow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil, £19.09.) Apply the pencil using light, diagonal strokes; then run a brow brush or dry mascara wand over your brows to help blend the color in seamlessly.

When choosing a pencil shade, a light brown pencil generally works best if you have blonde hair, while honey brown works best for red hair and deep brown works best for brown hair.

 

Shimmery shadows

All you need are at least two shimmery nude eyeshadows to add dimension to your lids and help bring out your eyes. First, apply a shadow that's slightly lighter than your skin tone as a base color from lashline to lid. Then apply a shadow that's slightly darker than your skin tone in your crease, or at the base of your lid if you lack a crease. (Try ELF Custom Eyes in Moondust and Mocha, £1.50 each.)

Beige eyeliner

Beige eyeliner -- which looks more natural than white eyeliner -- brightens your eyes and makes you look more awake. Use it the same way makeup artist and Procter & Gamble Global Creative Design Director Pat McGrath uses it on runway models: to line your inner eye rims. (Try W7 Eye Stix Eyeliner Pen by Beige Pearl , £2.99.) And don't forget to apply a few coats of black mascara. (Try MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara, £10.99.)

Nude nails

And, finally, we get to nude nails -- my favorite finishing touch for any look, any time. A good nude nail minimizes redness, elongates your hand, conceals imperfections, and lasts longer (chips look less noticeable than when you've got a brightly-colored mani). But the wrong shade could make your nails look unhealthy or stained with nicotine. (Try ELF's Nail Polish in Nude or Blush, £1.50)

To find the right shade, "choose a nude that matches as closely to your face foundation as possible," says green celebrity nail artist Jenna Hipp. If you have light or fair skin, opt for a shade with a touch of cream in it to neutralize the pink in your skin. If you have medium or dark skin, choose peach and brown tones over yellowish or pinky nudes.

I hope you've all had an awesome weekend and that you are all safely back to work, school or wherever you may be.