BEAUTY TREND - BLUE NAILS

I have recently sorted through my nail polishes, as you may have seen on Instagram I am a true addict and may have colour co-ordinated them, so I thought I would share the shades I have been reaching for most recently. As the seasons have changed and everybody has transitioned to Autumn berry shades on their lips and nails, I have found myself still reaching for blue colours, not being able to shift the summer as quickly. Oceanic shades were really in for Spring/Summer this year and this trend has carried on into Autumn/Winter. I think blue can be a bit of a controversial colour to wear on the nails and not a shade everyone thinks they can pull off, but I think blue nails can look very sophisticated, if you want to go for a dreamy vibe or a punchy cobalt pop. My collection of blue nail polishes has certainly grown over the past year and I have many favourites, but I thought I would show you a few I have been using on rotation. Firstly is Essie polish in Midnight Cami a gorgeous navy blue which is nearly, but not quite black. This is a very special nail polish as I wore it for my Graduation early this year as it was the perfect colour to go with my gown. Essie formulations have to be some of my favourite and the brushes are the perfect shape to use to equally distribute colour. This is the ideal shade for Autumn and you don't need to apply many coats to get the full effect. My next favourite is Models Own Hyper Gel in Cornflower Gleam, Model Own launched their gel formulas earlier this year. This shade is more of a dusky cornflower blue, which is nice for all seasons. I do struggle with the formulas of these polishes, I find that I have to apply thin coats or the layers can get too thick and gloopy, but I like the overall finish. Another gel formula polish is the Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Regents Place. Again, another cornflower blue with a lilac undertone. I love the formulation of these, they provide a gorgeous flawless, high gloss manicure. I also like this one of my toes! Another new formulation to me this year are the Revlon Pafumerie range this one is in the shade Surf Spray. When the polish has dried on your nails you can still smell the scent of the nail vanish for days afterwards. I love this metallic blue shade with a purple shimmer running through it. I like to wear this one more if I'm going out for the evening than a day to day polish, but it still is very wearable. My last blue favourite is the Essie polish in Bikini So Teeny, similar to the Nails Inc one but with a silver shimmer. I like to apply two coats and I'm left with such a cute shade.

What shade of polish have you been enjoying?

CURRENT SUMMER BEAUTY FAVOURITES

There are quite a few products which I have been enjoying this Summer, most of my favourites either refresh, hydrate or enhance the skin. I'm not one to stick to the same products all month, as I love to try new things but here are some of my current loves.
Origins Ginzing Face Mask – I’m really into my face masks, I like to apply them once or twice a week and this is the one I’m reaching for the most recently. I’m sure you are supposed to apply this in the mornings to awaken skin but I like to apply this in the evenings after taking off my make-up to give my skin an instant pick me up. It’s a quick 10 minute mask which you tissue off, but I like to leave it on until I do the rest of my evening skincare routine as it just melts into your skin. It brightens dull and tired skin and the formula is really cooling. I’ve written a whole blog post on my thoughts here.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche – This is the newest fragrance in my collection, I purchased it during a shopping trip to Bicester Outlet Village, so I got it for a bargain price. I have many perfumes but this scent just reminds me of summer, the fragrance is light and fresh and is perfect for holidays. If you love coconut, go and try it! See what else I bought from Bicester here.

Loccitane Almond Shower Oil – Loccitane Almond Shower Oil is a constant favourite in my collection, but I picked up the bigger sized bottle with a pump again from Bicester Outlet Village. The pump makes it so much easier to use and I don’t have to worry about using too much and wasting the product. The scent is heavenly, I reserve this for special occasions and times when I want to pamper myself. The formula comes out as an oil but once it's mixed with water it foams up nicely. I would definitely go and repurchase the eco-refill after using this up as it leaves my skin with a silky smooth texture.

Essie Hide & Go Chic Nail Polish – I have recently been enjoying wearing the colour blue on my nails, this Essie shade called 'Hide & Go Chic' which I got in a Beauty Box has to be my recent favourite. I have been wearing it as a base and using a different colour on an accent nail. The Essie polishes are easy to apply, they do chip a little on my nails, but I love the shiny finish they leave.

Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold Highlighter – This was my first taste of Charlotte Tilbury make-up and I was really impressed with the quality of the products. The packaging is so luxe and the product itself looks flawless on the skin. This is great for the Summer months and you can use it on your body too. I can't seem to find this on the website now, as they did say it wasn't going to be around for much longer. Read my full review here. I now have my eyes on the Filmstars on the go eye-cheek-&-lip palettes especially the Breakfast at Tiffanys one.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly – I bought this after finishing my Hydraluron serum. I like to use this in the evenings before moisturising and it makes my skin feel plump and revitalised overnight. It’s not greasy at all and it sinks straight into the skin. The packaging is cleverly designed and allows you to dispense just enough in one pump. My friend bought me the serum for my birthday knowing how much I liked it and I have been using them together every night. It's great for all skin types and you can instantly see a difference to dry skin.

What products have you been enjoying this Summer?

ESSIE NEONS - GLOW GET 'EM NAIL POLISH SET

Essie has to be one of my favourite nail polish brands to use lately. Since they have become easier to get hold of in drugstores, my collection has built up quite nicely. For Summer 2014, Essie have introduced a Neon Range which contains six bright, stylish shades which look awesome on every nail. I have bought a few nail polish sets in the past and have found a use for every shade. Essie have brought out two sets of four nail polishes, this one which is called Glow Get 'Em and Paradise is Calling, both perfect for summer! 
The Glow Get 'Em contains four shades; Blanc, Sittin' Pretty, Vices Versa and Serial Shopper. Essie's Top Tip is to use the shade Blanc which is the white one, underneath your neon shades to make the colour pop. Sittin' Pretty is a vivid lavender, Vices Versa is a juicy neon lime and Serial Shopper is a florescent fire coral. I think Sittin' Pretty has to be my favourite, I will definitely be taken these shades on holiday with me.
In the photos I have used Essie's Top Tip and the colour appeared a lot more intense and colourful, than when I just used them alone. The first time I used them, I made the mistake of layering up too many coats so that the formula took ages to dry, but with practice I have found that one coat of Blanc underneath your neon shade is just enough. The formulations are glossy, long lasting and the shades are so pretty!
Essie polishes are normally priced at £7.99 per bottle, so at £24.99 for the set you are saving yourself £6.97, which is nearly one bottle free! I might have to go back for the other set. Boots are currently offering £5.00 off when you spend £25.00 or more online on selected items. I might have to go back for the other set. 

Will you be picking up any Essie polishes this Summer?

PEARL LOWE FOR GLOSSYBOX - SPRING FEVER APRIL 2013

I absolutely love the box design of last month's Glossybox which was exclusively designed by Pearl Lowe. It's so refreshing to open your box to find a different theme each month, this month was focused around 'Spring Fever'. I think this theme works really well and the products inside really reflect the season. I will definitely be reusing this box and display it on my vanity as storage.
Essie Nail Lacquer in 'We're in it together', Full-Size 13.5ml, £7.99 - I was very excited to hear that there was a full-size Essie polish in April's box. I am a big fan of the formulation of the diffusion line which can be found in Boots and Superdrug. The colour I received was 'We're in it together' which is a lovely baby pink with a slight blue/purple shimmer. It's not a colour I would normally go for but I have really been enjoying wearing it and adding it to my collection. Read my full review of Essie nail polishes here.
Illamasqua Medium Pencil in 'Thrash', Full-Size 1g, £13.00 - I had never tried any products from Illamasqua before so I was intrigued to find out what their products were like. This medium pencil can be used  for eye, lips, face and body, I received the shade 'Thrash' which is a warm burnt orange. I really liked the texture of the product it glided over the skin and gave a long-lasting finish. The colour was a bit scary at first, but I think it looks great on the eye area for a bit of a change from the usual black.

Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow Hand Therapy, Full-Size 100g, £14.00 - Again, I had never tried anything from this brand before, but have only heard good things. I have enjoyed the texture and scent of this hand cream, it leaves my hands feeling really hydrated and moisturised and not greasy at all. It's so handy to throw in my handbag and use on the go, the only downsize is that I'm not a great fan of the packaging as I know it will get harder to get the product out towards the end.
Yves Rocher France So Elixir Purple Eau De Parfum, Full-Size 50ml, £44.00 - It was nice to see a bigger sized fragrance sample in the box this month. The scent is feminine, floral and woody all at the same time. I quite liked the scent once I had put it onto my skin, the fragrance lasted quite well and I could still smell the product hours after I had used it. I'm not too thrilled with the packaging, I think they could update it a bit, but I would love to see what other products they have on offer.

Nip and Fab Pistachio Sundae Body Butter, Full-Size 200ml, £9.95 - This is one of my favourite body butters, I love the scent it's super sweet but I can't wait to put this on after showering. It does come in other flavours including, Coconut Latte (read my review here.) and Mango Smoothie. The texture of this product is lighter than many body butters I have used, and I enjoy using it during the spring/summer months. I will continue to repurchase!
I think this Glossybox is the best I've seen for a good while, so many big brand names in one box finished off with a lovely designed print! You really can't beat the value of a beauty box.

AUGUST BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2012

John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner, 150ml £6.29*- I have been loving the whole Full Repair range this month. Read my full review on the range here. This has to be the product I have seen the most effectiveness from though. As I use heat on my hair most days, my hair can become dry especially at the ends. You can really feel this conditioner working deep into your hair to repair and prevent the risk of breakage. I love the scent, you wouldn't think it was the scent of a high street/drug store hair brand. My hair is left feeling so silky soft, I would definitely repurchase this once this tub is finished. 
Dermalogica Clean Start Wash Off Foaming Cleanser, Fullsize 180ml £11.50 - I received this Cleanser in a past GlossyBox. I have enjoyed using this cleanser in the mornings as it's really refreshing with it's Citrus scent. I feel it cleans deep into my pores when used with a muslin cloth. It really does foam up to a good amount of lather and leaves my skin feeling fresh.
Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Moisturiser, Fullsize 50ml £27.00 - This product has become my go to morning moisturiser. It's great at evening out my skin tone whilst providing a sheer tint for a flawless base. I really do feel it is an 'energy boosting' product and wakes up my skin to provide me with a sheen to my skin. The scent is also really nice and is protecting me at the same time with an SPF 15. 

Dove Summer Glow Lotion Fair to Normal Skin, 250ml £2.99 - I'm not really one for fake tan, I do try and embrace the skin I was given. But over the Summer there has been times where I have wanted to get my legs out and felt there was a little help needed. This product has become quite handy, after seeing it on quite a few blogs I thought I would give it a go. The scent is not over powering at all, unlike some fake tanners. It does give my pale self some noticeable colour.
Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Milk, 500ml £10.00 - I love the new scent which Soap & Glory has realeased, and I am hooked to Rich & Foamous Body wash, see my full review here. The scent is Almonds, Oats and Brown Sugar which I guess is a love/hate smell. For me, I just can't get enough! This moisturiser is lovely and you can still smell the scent after hours of applying. It isn't as thick as some of the other Body butters, which I also like.

Essie Sand Tropez, 15ml £9.95 - I have loved wearing this colour on my toes this month. Such an easy to wear neutral. Saying that, I have loved Essie polishes in general. This one I picked up from TKMaxx in a set of three, so it wasn't a new diffusion line bottle. But I do get on with both formulations, you can't beat Essie there are some lovely colours to choose from.
Balmi Coconut, £4.99 - I was excited to see on a few blogs that there was finally a dupe for the EOS lip balm. I knew I had to pick one up and decided to go for the Coconut scent. I have found this product so handy and have attached it to my keys for on the go. I think I like the concept more than that lip balm itself. But, I would certainly try out a few of the other flavours at that price.
HD Brows Set Bombshell, £19.96 - This product I also received in a past GlossyBox. I had been eyeing it up for some time, so was so pleased to receive it in my box, in my suited colour. Such a great little compact and the colours really match my eyebrows. I mainly use the colour, Ash Blonde as I find this really helps to frame my face. Definitely a Holy Grail product.

What are your current favourites?

*PR Sample

PRODUCT REVIEW - ESSIE NAIL POLISH

I had never tried Essie nail polish before it was introduced into Boots and Superdrug as a diffusion line, a couple of months ago. I had always stuck to OPI or Nails Inc as they were more widely available in the UK. But once I saw the stand in my local Boots, I knew I had to try the popular colours I had been lusting over and the reduced price of £7.99 was more appealing to me and my bank balance.

I know these polishes have been really popular over beauty blogs and YouTube. They may be a tad pricer than the average drugstore/high street nail vanish, but the quality has really won me over. The size of the brush is great, it fits the whole width of the nail and I know this has been changed from the original line of Essie polishes. It does take a few coats to get the required colour that I want, but this is worth it as the staying power is brilliant and lasts a good while without chipping with a top coat. 

99 Mint Candy Apple - This is probably the most popular colour in the Essie line. A true bluey mint green. As you can see from the swatch, the colour is very build-able and is pigmented after about two coats.
77 Chinchilly - This shade is a purpley brown. This is my most wearable colour, and is most suited to me. Another bestseller, and is very pigmented after just two coats.
13 Mademoiselle - This shade is the perfect french manicure nail colour. The formulation is quite sheer, as you can see on the swatch it is still quite sheer after a couple of coats. I would use this colour if I just wanted a wash of colour over my nails to freshen them up.
I will be definitely building my collection of these polishes. They are fast becoming my favourite to use, just because I know the colour is going to last and the formula is great. I have my eyes on the shades Tarte Deco and Cute As A Button.
Nail Wheel from - Solo Beauty Supplies

What Essie colours do you like?

Thanks for reading!x

NOTD - BOURJOIS 10 DAY NAIL POLISH GUIMAUVE T26

I don't normally go for girlie, barbie pink colours when picking out nail vanish. But there was something about this shade which was so unusual that it caught my eye. My favourite thing about this polish is the brush, its perfect for application and covers the entire nail in one brush stroke. It is wide, angled and short, so it is great for touchups. It doesn't last 10 days without chipping with a top coat but to be honest I didn't expect it to. It still lasts a good 4-5 days without chipping and I am impressed with the quality.

For the price, £5.99 I would probably pick out an Essie nail vanish next time instead, but it is a nice colour for summer. I bought this when Boots were doing an offer of buy any Bourjois product get another one half price. But Bourjois are currently offering 3 for 2 on selected products at boots.