Nailed It

Happy Sunday Readers, 

I have had a chance this weekend to finally put together a blog post on something I get asked about regularly. Those of you who follow me on twitter, instagram, or know me personally will know my obsession for my nails. I have a wide collection of nail varnishes and for years I searched for the perfect formula which is reasonably priced, comes in a varied range of colours and dries at a fast pace. Today I will review my favourite budget, and mid range nail varnishes and give you my thoughts on them. 

Collection 2000 (now Collection Cosmetics) - Prices range from £1.99 

This is one of the brands I have picked up in suspicion of how low the prices are. The range of colours is great, as well as the drying time and finished look. However, they chip very easily- I guess you get what you pay for from this particular brand. 

Rimmel: Prices range from £2.99- £4.49

My collection originally started with Rimmel nail varnishes, but I admit I was let down on the 1 minute drying colours, which definitely take longer than a minute. I do however love the I <3 lasting finish range as it chips less easily than other rimmel nail varnishes, however it does take slightly longer to dry and the colour range is limited.

Barry M- Prices range from £1.99-£3.99 

This has to be my favourite budget nail colour, these can last up to a week and come in the largest range of colours and textures I have seen as a high street brand. I love how smooth and even the formula is and I can always find the shade I’m after. These come at the small price of £2.99 per bottle and are usually on 3 for 2 or 3 for £5 in both Boots or Superdrug.

Models Own Pro- £8 (2 for £8 at Boots at the time)

I came across these on offer, and I love the shades, finish and drying time. I do however find them really hard to come by and have had difficulty finding them ever since. I have also tried the models own range but I have to say I was not much of a fan, although they come in a fantastic range of colours. I have no link for this particular product at this time. 

OPI-£11 This is the nail range I have been most disappointed in, considering they specialise in nails and are selected for use in salons. I have had my nails done by OPI in a salon before and they have always come out lovely but when buying them myself I have been very disappointed. For £11.50 for a bottle I feel the colours are slightly opaque and watered down, I need 3 coats to make the most of the colour.

Orly-£5

I came across Orly in a salon and I was really attracted to the bright colour and application and decided to buy it to top up my nail colour, I did find however when used myself it chipped very easily which was slightly disappointing.

China Glaze- £4.95- £6
 For bright colours this is the go to brand, great range of bright and neon colours, good application however a slightly longer drying time I found. This particular brand is great when looking for summer nail shades.

Essie- £8
On to what I believe is the royal treatment for nails, if you know me you will know I swear by essie. My collection has grown immensely over the past year and until proved otherwise I will continue to buy these as my first option. The finish of these is glossy and very professional, drying time is quick and a great range of colours. What I love about essie is that nails look salon fresh even without the use of a top coat and can last a week if you’re not prone to washing up a lot (unlike me). I cannot praise essie enough, I believe there’s only one or two shades I am not 100% satisfied with however there are always new colours released to update your nails as well as your wardrobe over the seasons. At £8 a bottle although not cheap, definitely worth the amount.

To Top It Off - Seche Vite Topcoat £5-8 

My favourite top coat so far is by Seche Vite, which I came across on Amazon. The formula dries quickly and gives a salon finish shine and it is such a bargain. The only downside is its only available online in the UK. 

For this particular review I felt I should add I have never invested in very high end nail colours, such as dior or chanel. The reason for this is I believe in sticking to brands which specialise in particular products, and for nails I have always felt the above brands do this best.

My nails always need to be immaculate as I believe anybody who takes care of their hands and nails (including males) reflect they are looking after the rest of themselves. I also think painting my nails helps me to reflect my mood.

Do you change a part of your look to reflect your mood? 

K xx 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Pucker Up!

Hey Guys, 

Those of you following my Facebook page, twitter or Instagram will know I recently went to the IMATS in London. It was obviously heaven on earth for me- the make up, and discounted prices, I will definitely be making another trip in store next year! The talking point at the IMATS was the huge queue going through the whole venue. But what were hundreds of make up enthusiasts queueing for? Was it worth the hour and a half wait...?

The queue was for NYX and in my opinion it was definitely worth the wait, the brand always does great products with a professional finish and this post will show you exactly what I mean.

I first discovered NYX least year at the pro beauty exhibition and I have been addicted ever since. My favourite brow palette was my first ever purchase, and I now double it up as a smokey eye shadow kit for an everyday look. At £9 (IMATS price- £13.50 online)it was a bargain. 

My new addition this time around are the lip creams. The finish and feel of these is better than anything similar that I have tried so far, both drugstore and high end make up brands. I bought four shades in two completely different finishes to test and I will definitely be adding to this.. 

The shades I bought are: 

Spice Xtreme Lip Cream (bright red- shine finish)

Candy Land Xtreme Lip Cream (baby pink- shine finish)

Buttery Nude Xtreme Lip Cream (peachy/nude- shine finish)

Milan Milan Soft Matte Lip Cream (baby pink- matte finish)

These ranged from about £3.50-£5.5-0 at IMATS and are available online for £5.50 (matte lip cream) and £7.50 (extreme lip cream). 

Top- Milan Milan
Middle- Spice
Bottom-Buttery Nude

My favourite is the nude, as I have found it difficult to find a nude which I feel suits me, this is perfect especially paired with NYX lipstick in Indian Pink (oh how well that fits!). My only regret is I didnt buy more shades in a matte finish, as at the time I was in a debate about whether I would like them. I actually love the Milan Milan I purchased in matte, and I think I will venture into more matte shades following on from my experience.

They feel really good and comfortable on my lips, and not sticky or drying which I find some super shiny or matte finishes can do. I can get away with wearing them for about 4-5 hours before needing to reapply which is amazing. 

All in all my favourite purchase of the day and I look forward to adding to my NYX collection, this really is a pro brand at a budget price! 

What are your favourite NYX products? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Big Hair Don't Care

Hi Folks, 

This is a bit of a last minute and different post to my usual. It is to follow up from a picture I posted on my Instagram which I received lots of positive comments asking about my hair. 

I have naturally really fine and flat hair. I try to avoid backcombing as I fear it will further damage and thin my hair. I have to admit it has taken me a really long time to come up with the perfect formula on how to get some bounce and volume so I will share a few tips and key products with all of you out there wanting to get that big hair effortless look.  

Key Products and Tools

In order to achieve volume without back combing I have tried and tested many products and different brushes and hair tools. These are my top tools and products which I use to achieve volume. 

Babyliss Big Hair: £35-£60 

This is my top hot tool for achieving volume and as great an investment as my GHD’s. The Babyliss Big hair is a rotating hot brush which gives an effortless blowdry look. I believe the price has recently increased, I struck lucky and got it for £35 in Currys (on offer) so you may want to shop around online to find it at a good price. I have added the amazon link above so you know what you are looking for. 

Head Jog Ionic 80 Ceramic Blowdry Brush - £4.95

I have used many round barrel blowdry brushes, and this is my favourite. Head Jog do a number of different sized brushes. I bought the 80, but this is solely because it was the largest I could find at the suppliers. This gives a really sleek and volumised finish when paired with my Babyliss pro hair dryer which I set on the hottest setting to achieve the best result. Although any hairdryer will create the same effect this is my favourite as the varied settings give a really good finish. 




Tigi Catwalk Root Boost- £11.95






This is my favourite product to add some volume to my hair. The smallest amount really gives your style some oomph and its also handy as a hair mousse when your having a lazy day and don’t have much time to style your natural hair. it tames waves and curls so your 5 minutes of hair styling before work looks like a 50 minute job. Unfortunately the version I usually use has now been discontinued but I have put a link to the new "Your Highness" version which is just as good above.



What are your favourite volumising tools and products? 


Step by Step: 

The Final Result

1. Wash and condition hair as normal.
2. Towel dry and add a form of heat protection as a number of hot tools will be used to create this style. I don’t use a specific heat protector but at the moment my favourite is the Lee Stafford range as the products promote healthy hair growth. 
3. Rough dry hair so its 70% dry (it should not be dripping but still slightly damp to touch). 
4. Apply a palm sized amount of Tigi Catwalk into the roots of hair. 
5. Section hair and use the Babyliss Big hair on the lowest setting to style in the desired way (rotate inwards to flick hair towards face, rotate outwards to flick away from the face). The reason for keeping to the the lowest is so it can be followed up with use of a hairdryer, the lowest setting will style but not set the hair . I personally like to curl all my sections in slightly and flick out the front sections. 
6. Go Over the hair one final time with Head Jog blow dry brush and hair dryer. Concentrate the hairdryer for a few seconds at the root with the brush rolled under the hair and follow down from root to tip. 
7. Use a finishing product at your discretion if you feel it needs it. My hair is usually smooth and bouncy following the hair drying stage so I don’t add anything. 

Some might find it slightly odd the order I work in, but after trial and error I find this is what has worked best. It is a time consuming process sometimes, but after practice it can be done within 20 minutes and saves the use of excessive backcombing and straightening. This is perfect for winter, and the next day your hair should remain just as bouncy. Some practice might be needed to get the use of the Babyliss Big Hair rotations right, but once you get the knack its very easy to use. 

I may follow up with a youtube tutorial soon, still playing with the idea. For now good luck, give it a go and post any questions or results you might have for others to see. 

K xx 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.