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. 

Beauty on a Budget

One common perception many of us make is the idea that make up has to be expensive to be worth buying. Wrong. For the past few weeks I have been exploring beauty kit items which have cost me less than £10 each. I have chosen my top 5; including products which already exist in my daily routine, and a few newbies which I have added to my collection.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

This is one of the products I came across from my hand swatch tests I tend to do in Boots. I tried this on my hand at lunch time and throughout the whole day (including a gross sweaty workout) the colour was still on my hand. It tingles slightly on your lips, but the colour is rich and the softening balm keeps lips nice and soft. I would state this is as good, if not better than some lip tints I have tried of luxury brands as it doesn't dry out the lips and the colour comes out just as vibrant as it seems in the packaging. I chose the colour "Lovesick" after searching high and low for a deep fuscia pink which I felt suited me. 

 Price: £7.99 from Boots or Superdrug

L'Oreal Super Liner Gel Intenza

My favourite basic, everyday product by far. I purchased my first pot of gel eyeliner about 6 months ago, and it is STILL going strong. I wear eyeliner on a daily basis, and to know how long this has lasted me makes me realise it was worth every penny. I have tried other gel eye liners, such as Rimmel, Barry M and Maybelline, but this was my ultimate favourite. It does not smudge even after a long day at work, and the brush it comes with is perfect for both thin and bold application. This is definitely an essential buy.  

Price: £9.99 from Boots, Superdrug or online

NYX HD Eyeshadow Base Primer

I bought this shadow primer from the Professional Beauty Exhibition last week, and I have to say I was skeptical but for £5 I thought why not? I am so glad I got this. I am constantly frustrated by the eyeshadow crease problem. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of time creating and blending the perfect eye make-up look, only for it to be ruined an hour later. This will definitely be incorporated into my eyeshadow routine more often. The formula is lightweight, and effortless. A great base for any eyeshadow. 

Price: £6.50 from the nyx website , although I paid slightly less at the beauty expo, it's still worth the full amount. 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Stick

This is another product which survived my hand swatch test and stayed on my skin with vibrant colour after a whole day. I decided to go for a purple tone, as I think it works well with everyday and creative looks. I have used the eye shadow stick both by itself on the crease of the eye, and as an eyeliner at the bottom of lids to make an everyday eye make up look pop with colour. The shadow is easy to blend with the use of a good brush, I was pleased with the result and largely impressed with the staying power. 

Price: £4.99 at Boots or Superdrug

E45 Moisturising Lotion

I am aware its not make up, or in fact a real face moisturiser, yet it is somehow one of my favourite products that I cant live without. As mentioned in previous blogs I find it hard to be happy with a moisturiser, especially after spending much money hunting for one that suits my skin. I have decided until I ever come across the “perfect” moisturiser this will remain my go-to cream. Its cheap and cheerful and never lets me down, the perfect base for all my make up. E45 keeps my skin hydrated and feeling smooth whatever the condition it is in. 

Price: £5.50 for 500ml at Boots







As mentioned above most of these products are easy to buy on the high street or online, looking out for the Boots 3 for 2 can also be very useful at times. Although I still love my MAC, Bobbi Brown and Dior these products can be expensive to maintain and at times a cheaper alternative works to an advantage. 

Do make up products have to be expensive to be effective? 

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