The Nail Update: Summer.

3 for 2 knocked at the door, I bought three, plus one... 

I don't know if it's the burst of sunshine that the UK has been basking in, or the sudden desire to get a bit tropical in the nail department but brights are firmly back on my talons.

Essie Not Just a Pretty Face 

Yes, I know it's not a tropical explosion of colour but it's the pretty pink nude I've been craving for an age. After previous perilous experiences with the Essie nude family (I'm looking at you Sugar Daddy) I was slightly dubious about taking the plunge, but it really is a beaut. Three coats and your away. 

Barry M Gelly Polish in Papaya.

Even the name makes me want to swing in hammock on a tropical island with cocktail in hand. Consistancy wise the Gelly range is magic. Two coats and you've got the perfect shiny nails that far outshine their affordable price point. Bravo. The colour is the perfect bright peach, If you're not too keen on going all out this is the perfect gateway polish to brights. 

Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish in Blue No Blues.

This polish strikes the perfect balance between a pastel mint and a bright turquoise. It's tropical party in a bottle. What makes this even more of a winner is the wide brush and foolproof application. For Lazy Susan's like me this is holy grail. 

Models Own Pink Punch.

The Ice Neon drew me in, the bottle promised wonders. It delivered a bit of a damp squib. I will concede that I've only tried it on a bare nail and maybe a white undercoat with pep this up. I'm hoping this will deliver the neon pop it promised once I've given it a proper whirl! 

What are you sporting this summer? 

xx

Bourjois Bronzing Primer.

What can I say, Bourjois are firmly back in my good books with their recent offerings. First came my star high street product of the month/year, the Cream Blush. Now they're following on with a delectable selection of bronzing products to fake a glow. Where the British 'Summertime' falls short, Bourjois delivers.

Enter Bourjois Bronzing Primer. 

Like the much talked about 'Chocolate Bronzer' the Bronzing Primer comes with the same 'Addictive Fragrance' (really?) as the rest of the range. I'm not unfussy about the smell but it really is a bit of a gimmick, give me an unscented bronzer and I'm not going to moan about it. 

Bonus chocolate scent aside, why has this product sent my blogger spidey sense into overdrive? Does the picture below look familiar? 

  

Soleil Tan de Chanel anyone? At first glance it's a definite doppelgänger. Both pleasantly scented cream bronzing products that can contour your way to a bronzed visage in a moment products. On closer inspection they don't run so parallel but for a penny under a tenner, I'm sold.  As the perpetual pale Pauline I don't tend to mess around with bronzing products on a daily basis. Therefore dropping serious dollar on the Chanel alternative just isn't up there on my list of priorities. 

I've had a chance to compare both and whilst the Chanel holds a firmer consistency and the Bourjois is more a of a true whipped mousse. The end results are ever so similar.  It leaves a soft finish that doesn't look greasy or powdery so going in with a foundation or blush/highlighter isn't an issue.

To provide a rather scary idea of the colour, it packs a real punch until blended out. Used with a synthetic brush, it gives a really soft contour and bronzed look that you can leave as it or go over with a foundation if you want a subtle glow. On the rare occasion I'm feeling tan-tastic, this primer is the perfect choice. 

Bourjois really seem to be emerging as one to watch this Summer, bravo! 

xx

Product Rave: Bourjois Cream Blush 03.

If there is one make up item I'm a sucker for, it's a good old cream blush. However, the all time greats undoubtedly come from the high end make up department. Like all good things, where high end goes the high street will inevitably follow. It may take them a little longer to get it bang on, but when they do it's a purse friendly revelation. 

Enter Bourjois Cream Blush. 

I perused each of the four new shades (01 Nude Velvet, 02 Healthy Glow, 03 Rose Tender & 04 Sweet Cherry). Whilst all shades delivered, Rose Tender hit the nail on the head. Not too pink, not too peach. In fact, for all of you Penny Lane fanatics...give Rose Tender a go. Spend your £13 change on something else pretty.

So, Why is it a rave? 

At £7.99 you're looking at a real winner. It's a rich creamy texture and a beautiful natural colour payoff that far surpasses it's price tag. Lasting power is similar to most high end brands, you can't expect miracles with a cream blush but it pops easily into your bag to top up without caking. 

Definitely a rave. 

xx