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

Essie Sew Psyched.

Yesterday, I was well and truly sucked into an ill advised Boots spree. Essie 'Sew Psyched' fell into my basket... 

This is the only way I'll ever wear green on my nails. It's a subtle khaki pewter mix that is a very slight departure from my usual muted tones but is a pretty alternative to my usual polish choices. Is it wild? No. Is it a new favourite? Oh Yeah. 

In certain lights this does just look full on grey, but I like that it's a subtle camo. It's the secret service of the khaki nail polish world. 

Before I launch into a full blown army related metaphor about this polish, I'll just advise you check it out. 

That's an order private!

xx

Wednesday Wishlist: Pastel Polish.

I'm having the expected love affair with pastel polish at the moment. I've shyed away from the brighter pastels of last summer and settled on a few muted beauties that I'm anxious to get my mitts on. 

1. Essie Absolutely Shore

2. Essie Lilacism

3. Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Prickly Pear

4. OPI I Vant To Be A Lone Star

5. Essie Ballet Slippers

Which nail polish are you lusting after? 

xx

Cross Your Fingers, Hold Your Toes.

Just a very quick post to show you how i'm wearing my nails today. 

Simply apply two coats of Essie Sand Tropez and add a quick black eyeliner cross to whichever fingernail you like to add a simple accent. I chose the ring finger but it's really up to you. 

How are you wearing your nails today? 

Laura x

June Favourites

Essie Sand Tropez - L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara - No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover - Tresemme Ultimate Hold Touchable Finish Hairspray - Osmo Berber Oil - Victoria Secret Love Spell Refreshing Body Mist - Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Mascara* 

This month, I hardly had to think about what my favourites were, as all of these were immediately obvious to me as I've used them nearly everyday, 

I cannot believe I've made it through life so far (oh the drama) without Essie Sand Tropez. It's a perfect nude shade that I keep returning to. It's a habit I'm quite happy not to break. Similarly, Osmo's Berber Oil has emerged as a product that I need in my life. I went without it for just a few days whilst I was waiting for a new bottle to arrive, and my hair hated me for it. It's quickly becoming a holy grail product. 

I've been rocking two mascaras this month, one new discovery and one forgotten gem. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes was put in the drawer and neglected, but due to my new found determination to slimline my overflowing stash, I've realised what a lovely product it is. It gives me fluttery, separated lashes that are perfect for the daytime when you don't want to look too 'done', but you can also layer it up to create amazing doll eyes if you choose. Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp (amazing name) came in the June Glossybox, and I've really enjoyed using it. The massive brush gives lovely long lashes and can be built up to create a gorgeous effect. 

On a slightly duller note, No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover has really earned its spot this month, as I didn't think I'd find anything to replace my beloved Sephora Eye Make Up Remover without breaking the bank. Thanks to the boots £5 voucher promotion that run ever so regularly, I picked this up for £3.50, not only was it a steal but it works like a dream. It removes all traces of mascara (even stubborn waterproof) before I cleanse in the evening. It's a winner. 

Still sticking with the not so interesting products, the Tresemme Ultimate Hold Hairspray has served me well. I initially bought it to use as an emergency handbag/car/desk drawer hairspray, but it's actually been the one I've reached for most of June. It does the job and doesn't leave me hair weighed down or sticky, which is always a bonus. 

Last but not least, In an effort to use it up, my Victoria Secret Love Spell Refreshing Body Mist just takes me back to Crete whenever I spray it. So how could that not be a favourite!? 

What are your favourites this month? 

Laura xx

Essie Splash of Grenadine.

The Essie Obsession Continues...

Splash of Grenadine is a delicious mix of mauve and pink, and has photographed far more blue toned than it appears in real life. 

I'm not as head over heels with it as I am with the likes of Sand Tropez and Cute As A Button, but it's still lovely. 

Pick it Up Here 

Over & Out xx

Essie Lapis of Luxury.

This week, it's all about Essie. 

Lapis of Luxury is a complete 180 from Sand Tropez, a bright cornflower blue that doesn't scream too loud. It's the only way to rock bright blue. 

£7.99 

Laura xx

Essie Sand Tropez.

Essie's Sand Tropez is my idea of heaven. A dove grey cream polish that fits every occasion, and I'm hooked. 

£7.99

xxx

New Nail Treats.

As I've been worshipping at the alter of Shellac for a wee while, I've not indulged in any new nail polish. But,  I missed chopping and changing my nail colour so decided to take a break from Shellac and hit up Boots. 

I went for... 

Models Own Ibiza Mix

Models Own Magenta Divine

Models Own Jade Stone 

Essie Cute As A Button 

I'm a bit obsessed with the Essie shade right now, so much so that the others have only had a slight look in. I will add that Ibiza Mix = Disappointing. Far too sheer and watery, it takes about 4 coats to just achieve a slight glitter nail. When I do glitter, I mean glitter. Bitch. 

Over & Out. 

Laura xx