Happy New Year Giveaway

Want to win some gorgeous Barry M Nail Paints? Click over to my new blog, Beauty & le Chic to find out how….

Pretty in PINK

Help, I think I’ve had a Barbie girl moment. When I blogged a few weeks ago about my favourite summer nail colours, I realised I had lots of hot pinks, but was pretty deficient in the light/mid pink area. Off I popped to Barry M…

Barry M knows good colour! I love their polishes – they’re cheap and pretty good quality. With a rainbow of shades on offer it’s tough to choose, but after much deliberation I opted for Stawberry Ice Cream and Bright Pink. Normally £2.99 each and Boots had an offer on 2 for £5.

Stawberry Ice Cream is a really pale, milky pink. After the first coat I worried that the shade was a little too close to those tacky fake nails, but after 3 coats I achieved the bottle colour. Not normally my bag, but the shade is cute and very summery. The glossy finish lasted around 3 days and since it’s pale, a couple a chips didn’t do any harm.

Bright Pink caught my eye straight away. I’d describe it as the perfect Barbie pink. It is bright, but not too in your face. It screams summer and cheered my nails right up. Barry M polishes do tend to be a little thin, again it took three coats to achieve perfect colour and coverage, but boy was it worth it.

Without the flash

With the flash

Needless to say I’m pretty happy with my purchased. I also got ANOTHER No7 voucher, so a picked up another No7 polish, a gorgeous glittery pink, aptly named TWINKLE, which fits nicely between the two Barry M shades on the colour chart. It’s a similar shade to Strawberry Ice cream, but a little more pigmented and with added sparkle. I haven’t road tested it yet, but you’ll know when I do.

SUMMER NAILS: Current Top 5

I’ve been having a serious sort out lately (once you start you just can’t stop) and I discovered all sorts of things I forgot I had, love it when that happens! Anyway, I had a good rumage through my nail polishes and selected my top 5 summer nails…

Kindly modelled by my (reluctant) little sister…

No7 Stay Perfect – Very Petal

This is a hot pink, perfect for fingers and toes, very summery. I think No7 polishes are pretty good quality – one or two coats does the job.

Nails Inc – Shoreditch

One of my all time favourite shades. A bold, hot pink that’s incredibly glossy. Similar to the No7 one but a touch more barbie pink. 2 coats with an under and over coat works a treat and lasts ages.

Barry M – Limted Edition Shade 105

The pinky/lilac shade has the WOW factor. So eye catching – it screams summer. The thin, non-glupey consistency makes it a dream to apply….Great value at £2.99. Read full review here.

Nails Inc – Bruton Street

Looks similar to Barry M’s in the pictures but it’s a more milky, beige lilac. Great for everyday sophistication.

Nails Inc – Candy Orange

A break from my traditional pinks and Lilacs, I’m loving this candy orange. Very on trend, summery and came free with this months’ Instyle magazine, yet another reason to love.

Hardly a professional paint job I know, but she’s 12 and CAN’T sit still

Barry M Crackle Paint… How to

I have to admit to being quite taken with this new nail art trend. It’s cute, it’s novel and all the brands are doing it BUT I’m not sure it’s for adults? With that in mind, I bravely tested it out… on my 12 year old sister.

Crackle polish is available in a rainbow of colours – gold, green, WHITE you name it. For your first time I’d recommend a black, plus it goes with everything. Barry M’s crackle paint is available in black,white, pink and blue and priced at £3.99 it’s very reasonable.

How to…

Firstly paint your nails as you would normally. You can use any colour, any brand. I think black works well with bright colours, so we chose No7’s Foxglove – a hot pink. Apply one or two coats, BUT make sure they’re bone dry before you start with the crackle.

Then on top of your painted nails apply with the crackle varnish, BUT and here’s the tricky part, you cannot overlap the crackle, which is difficult because the brush isn’t wide enough to do just one stroke, yet it’s wider than half your nail meaning some overlapping is inevitable. The other difficulty is it DRIES  very quickly but once on you will be impressed by the instant crackling effect – it’s like magic. My only criticism with this Barry M version is it gets very glupey very quickly. Be careful not to apply too much.

I’d say practice makes perfect with this one, by the time I got to the last nails I felt like I was finding my stride, but for a first attempt, I’d say we didn’t do too bad…..

What’s amazing is, you get a different result everytime and can vary the effect by doing faster or slower strokes.

My sister was really happy with the results and her friends were green with envy, which I think answers the question, is it for adults? Probably not, unless your name is Lady GaGa.

FREE Lunch Time Treats… Nails Inc Polish

Ladies you might want to hot fot it down to your nearest newsagents for a free treat… Well kinda free. With this month’s InStyle magazine, featuring the beautiful Thandie Newton on the cover, you can bag yourself a free Nails Inc polish worth £11.

Available in three exclusive and HOT shades Candy Orange, Electric Teal and Fashion Fawn.

I’ve picked up the candy orange as it fits nicely with my current obsession for all things bright and beautiful. The teel’s pretty cute too, and the Fawn is very similar to Barry M’s mushroom, which I already have.

Not content with one, why not pick up all three.

June edition on sale (and flying off the shelves ) now £3.70

Lunch time treat… Barry M Limited Edition Nail Paint

They’ve done it again. Another stunning colour from nail polish supremo Barry M.

As the summer vibe continues, this pot’s all you need for funky, fresh, summery nails.

The pinky/lilac shade has the WOW factor, it caught my eye as soon as I stepped foot down the make up aisle and the gold “blinging” lid make it look much more expensive than it really is. As with Barry Nail Paints the consistency is rather thin, but I find they’re a dream to apply, unlike thick and glupey alternatives. It dries really quick and is best applied with a base and top coat.

Here’s a quick swatch on my thumb.

My only gripe, it doesn’t have a beautiful name to match, instead it’s known as Limited Edition 030 (I reckon that’s code for Drop Dead GORGEOUS). For £2.99 it’s top of my summer steals, and right now available 3 for 2 at Boots.

Girls, you know where you’re going for lunch!

HOT NAILS: Barry M Nail Paint in Mushroom

The trend continues for rebellious colours (ones that shouldn’t work, but do) and my latest favourite is Barry M’s Mushroom. As a habitual pink varnish wearer, I never thought I’d see myself in a colour that could be described as muddy dishwater, but Mushroom is surprisingly elegant and very on trend.

What’s more, it’s a dead-ringer to Chanel’s uber chich (and expensive) 505 Particuliere polish.

 

Yet, at just £2.99, it’s a mere fraction of the price.

The quality of Barry M’s Nail Paints is surprisingly good. The consistency is quite thin and very easy to apply. It dries quickly and lasts well. For best results use an under and top coat as well as two coats of Mushroom.

Right now get 2 Barry M nail paints for £5 at Boots.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

It was my birthday yesterday…

Birthday Goodies

Bobbi Brown Make up manual

Mac Wonder Woman Opulash Mascara – Victorious

Mac Blush Brush 116

Topshop Cream Blush – Flush

OPI Mini Nail Lacquers Katy Perry

Barry M Nail Paint – Mushroom

Didn’t I do well! I might be another year older, booo, but I’m well stocked up. Watch this space, new reviews coming your way soon, just as soon as the hangover wears off.

And a special thanks to my little sister…

An accurate respresentation of how I’m looking this morning!

Ten Under a Tenner – Best Budget Beauty Buys

Proving that you don’t need a celebrity bank balance to look like one, I’ve tried and tested some of the best budget beauty buys and they’re all under a tenner!

Barry M Nail Paint, £2.99 each

Great quality, great price and available in a rainbow of colours it’s no wonder Barry M nail varnished have just won In Style’s Best Beauty Buy’s 2011 “best inexpensive nail varnishe” category. Available from Boots and Superdrug stores.

L’Oreal True Match Touche Magique £7.19

The minute I stopped comparing every under eye concealer to the wonder that is the YSL  touche eclat, I discovered lots of great alternatives. Cheaper versions are never going to be the same, they’re usually thicker, more pigmented, but that aint necessarily a bad thing! L’Oreal’s Touche Magique is great for dark bags and also packs enough punch for the odd blemish, and at £7.19 you can bag 3 for the price of 1 touche eclat.

Topshop Kohl Eye Pencils £4

Deep, intense colour in a gliding and soft pencil to give easy and precise application. Velvety finish and deep colour with just one stroke of this soft kohl pencil. Avilable in fantastic shades including Dragon Fly and Petrol.

No7 Limited Edition Spring Collection Lipstick £10

New to the No7 range for Spring/Summer 11. These soft moisturising lipsticks available in two shades – Brigitte a pale and pouty pink shade and Grace, a warm, peachy pale coral. You had me at the packaging. Catch them quick in Boots stores now!

Perfection Colour Intense Lip Lacquer M&S £7.50

Super shiny, highly pigmented gloss that glides on and stays put. Available in vivid shades: pink fizz, pink magenta, vamp, red nude, scarlet, orange fizz, wild plum, claret, pink parfait and jewel. Available online and in store.

Girls Aloud Party Lashes by Eylure £5.10

Since hitting the market in 2009, these falsies have gone down a storm. Five styles available, each designed by your favourite member of girls aloud. Featuring an easy application design, with a glue adhesive and a contact lens friendly design. I highly recommend Nadine’s bambi esque lashes! Available from good chemists and department stores.

Urban Decay Big FATTY Mascara Colour Collection Minis £9

It’s big, it’s fat, it should be illegal. Big Fatty Mascara creates the fullest, fattest lashes imaginable. Infused with hemp oil to moisturize & keep lashes soft, this thickening mascara takes lashes to a new realm. The creamy formula thickens, lengthens & glosses lashes. Step away from bog standard black and try out Purple Haze or Electric Blue…Just one try and you’ll be hooked. Available at Asos.com.

Models Own Powder Eyeshadows £5

Over 60, yes 60 colurs available in stylish matt, sexy shimmer and glam glitter for every look and mood. The colours are intense, rich and vibrant and you don’t need to use much to create fab looks and effects. Right now on Models Own website, buy 3 for £12. Also available at Boots and Superdrug stores.

Carmex Cherry Lip Balm £2.50

Available since 1937, this culy beauty buy has sold over 1 billion jars Worldwide, now available in Cherry flavour – yum yum! Perfect for soft, kissable lips. Never be caught without yours, I have on in my bag, one on my desk and one next to the bed. 3 for 2 now at Superdrug.

No7 Eye Shadow Blend and Contour Brush £6.60

I’m a big fan of No7 brushes, in my opinion they’re every inch as good as many expensive rivals. High quality, super soft bristles and large head area make this brush perfect for blending eye shadow along the lid area and beyound. A great go-to brush for everyday use. Also highly recommended in this range, the foundation brush, but at £12, doesn’t qualify in this category.

Make Up Trends Spring/Summer 2011 – Metal and Glitter

Our look at the key spring/summer make up trends continues…

 The 70s is back with a bang this season; the hair, the hats and of course the make up! Cue glam rock and heavy metal.

When Giles went glittertastic  during London fashion week back in September, showcasing serious seventies decadence , I must admit, I wasn’t sure it would catch on….

But the look doesn’t have to be quite so bold. Why not try smudging some glitter along the lower lash line for a hint of glam rock or in the eyes inner corners to make them “ping”.

Barry M’s Dazzle Dusts are one of my faves, and a snip at £4.59. These luscious shades can be applied bright and bold or shimmering and subtle, with over 60 original colours to choose from everyone can find a favourite pot or two or three…

Prada showed off something a little more wearable, but again, adapt the look to suit you. Silver is a super colour. It suits most eye colours and complexions, bu if you don’t feel comfortable taking a bold shadow up to the brow line, simply dust some silver along the lids for an instant update.

Add some(not too) heavy metal with Bobbi Brown’s award winning Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Graphite Shimmer Ink to give your make up a simple but effective hint of metal.

Whether you go for all out glam rock or a hint of sparkle, make sure you’ve got some glitter in your make up bag this season and release your inner disco diva.