Nail Art

My first attempts at nail art

This week I have been a poorly beauty blogger and I have spent the weekend stuck at home with a cold. If you follow me on Twitter you'll know this becasue I haven't stopped moaning about it. Anyway between napping and feeling sorry for myself I decided to use the time to try my hand at nail art. Now I do like nail art but I don't often have the time or patience to create something that is temporary but I actually found that it doesn't take as long as I expected. This is my first attempt and I probably spent 20 minutes in all, which included painting time, nail art and drying. Now this is my first ever attempt so there are some slight mistakes and I was poorly so they're a little rough around the edges but I am quite pleased with the results.

My first attempt at nail art. What do you think?

Flower Nail Art on the thumb and ring finger

I thought I'd give a little explanation about how I created this look just in case anyone wants to recreate it. 

• Firstly I painted my nails in a Sephora polish in Curacao and the ring finger and thumb in George Quick Dry Nail Polish in Smarty Pants.
• I used the end of a hair grip to add five small petals using Barry M's Nail Paint in Bright Purple. 
• I used the other end of the hair pin to add the middle of the flower using Sephora in Curacao
• I then used the thin end of the Model's Own Wah Nail Art Pen to create the stems.

All the products I used. I really need to invest in a top coat!

There we go, What do you think?Not too bad for a first attempt I hope! 

A MUAssive makeup mystery.

First impressions of a few MUA products including the MUA Lip Boom

MUA Lip Boom, MUA Mosaic Blush and MUA Love Hearts Lip Balm

MUA are a brand I'm not massively familiar with, I've tried their eyeliner and a mascara but little else. The main reason for this is because the MUA stand at my local Superdrug is very poor and when ever I go there are only one or two products left! I decided that MUA was sorely missing from both my makeup bag and my beauty blog. They recently had an offer on where you could get a free palette with each purchase of their new Lip Boom. So, I decided to treat myself to a few items and guess what I forgot to add the free palette! Doh!

Anyway, here are the products I opted for, the first is the MUA Alexandra Burke Lip Boom. The Lip Boom is four looks in one tube. The tube divides into three products; a lipstick,a gloss and something else that I have no idea what it is! Its attached to the bottom of the lipstick but I have no idea what purpose it serves, if any. Answers on a postcard? I opted for OMG, which is a coral colour. MUA Lip Booms are priced at £3 and are available online now and will be in shops in May. I'll be posting a full review soon.

MUA Lip Boom in OMG

MUA Lip Boom in OMG - There's lipgloss, lipstick and a weird pot of an unidentified substance. Any ideas? 

The second product is the Mosaic Blush in English Rose.I do like a blush and at £2.50 I figured it was worth a try. 

MUA Mosaic Blush in English Rose

Thirdly, I went for the MUA Love Hearts Lip Balm in Sweet Kisses. I love the packaging of the Love Hearts Range but haven't tried any yet, again because they don't stock them anywhere near me. I've needed a lip balm for ages but refuse to spend silly money on one. Sweet Kisses smells lovely and I'm looking forward to giving it a try, at £2.00 I suspect I've got a bit of a bargain.

MUA Love Hearts Lip Balm in Sweet Kisses

I'm going to post a full review on all of these products after I've tried them a few times. Seriously though if anyone works out what the attachment is on the MUA Lip Boom lipstick please let me know! 

Sure Women Natural Protection Deodorant Review

A review of the new Maximum Protection deodorant from Sure.

Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant

Deodorant, not that exciting  beauty item but an every day essential none the less, so I'm just going to do a brief post on this product, basically because I think its really good! 

Sure Maximum Protection deodorant

A while ago I was browsing the deodorant aisle in Boots because I was on the look out for an extra strength deodorant. I'd just like to point out this is not because I'm a major sweaty betty, I just happen to enjoy sport and I spend a lot of my life rushing from job to job. I saw the Sure Maximum Protection deodorant but I was put off by the £5.00 price tag. However, a few weeks later sponsored posts started popping upon blogs about this deodorant. A lot of them gave very positive reviews so I figured it might be worth splashing out on. Since I bought this deodorant I've had a job interview, sweated through numerous zumba classes, had a snowboarding lesson, played 90 minutes of football and spent far too many twelve hour days at work and I can whole heartedly say that this is an amazing deodorant.

It is cream deodorant and unlike others you apply this at night and can reapply it in the morning after a shower. This isn't the only unusual aspect of it, it kind of feels like there is a permanent coating on your armpits. It isn't unpleasant, in fact its quite moisturing but it is a slightly strange sensation when you're having a shower and it feels like there is a slight film covering your arm pits! It smells lovely when you apply it and it keeps you smelling great too.If you are super busy and feel like you  are in need of a super strong deodorant, this comes highly recommended. I bought mine from TESCO and it cost £5.00.

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint Review

A look at Rimmel's 1000 Kisses  tranfer proof lip tint and balm.

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint in 110 Stay Very Berry

I was browsing the aisle of Boots a few weeks ago looking for some new products to invest in (I'm a beauty blogger, therefore makeup is an investment, not a frivolous expenditure) and I came across the Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint. My Maxfactor Lipfinity Lip Tint had just ran out so I thought I could justify buying a replacement stain. I opted for Stay Very Berry as I wanted a shade that was subtle enough to wear everyday.

I'd like to mention in this review that I am a huge fan of lipstains because of how long lasting they are and for some reason I do like a product that looks like a felt tipped pen. It takes me back to my childhood. I was drawn to the Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint because it came complete with a balm and in my opinion this has been sorely lacking form similar products as lip stains can be super drying.

Lip balm

So, the inclusion of a lipbalm was what initially drew me to this product. It wasn't the packaging as I feel it looks a little bit flimsy and not the best designed lip product but hey, its mainly just going to be floating about in my bag or makeupbag so what does that matter? However, I am disappointed to say that this is a product I wish I'd judged on its packaging because I can't give this product a particularly positive review. I don't know if I got a dud one or I picked a weak shade but I just can not get an even finish from the Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint. When applying it feels like it is a felt tip that has just ran out and I can't get any colour from to the point where I don't see any point in wearing it. It actually looks quite nice in the photograph but I feel that the shade is very weak and not very berry like at all and it feels like I will get only a few applications from this tint as it is so dry and difficult to apply.

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint in 110 Stay Very Berry

I'd love to know what your experiences are of the Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint. I've read loads of positive reviews but with the finished effect looking so patchy I doubt I'll be getting even one kiss, never mind 1000! Rimmel's 1000 Kisses Lip Tint is available from Boots and Superdrug and retails at £6.99.

A Beauty Blogger's Guide to Getting Nails Like The The Pretty Little Liars

How to get nails as beautiful as the Pretty Little Liars Part One!

The Pretty Little Liars

I am a huge Pretty Little Liars fan and like any self respecting fan, I'm re -watching old episodes to get my hit of beautiful fashion, beautiful people and great cliff hangers before the new season returns in June. Obviously, I'm also keeping my eye out for clues as to who may be a part of the  'A Team.' and I've also been reminded of just how great the makeup is on the show, especially the nail polish. In each scene every female member of the cast of Pretty Little Liars is rocking some amazing nails.

I initially did a post on budget nail polish brands to get nails like the Pretty Little Liars because let's face it, if you change your nails as often as Aria, Hanna, Spencer and Emily its going to cost a pretty little penny in nail polish. Since re-watching some old episodes I've decided I'm going to do a series of posts on how to get nails like the Pretty Little Liars and try to match some polishes to those the girls are wearing in the show.

Pretty Little Liars: Alison Delaurentis' nails in opening credits

I've decided to start with the polish that is being painted on Alison DeLaurentis' body in the opening credits of Pretty Little Liars. Obviously, I don't know the exact shade and brand but I think Loreal's Colour Riche in Ingenious Rose is a really good match.

Loreal Colour Riche in Ingenious Rose

I love this nail polish; not only does it mean I can have nails as amazing as a Pretty Little Liars it also means I can have super pretty nails that are super chip proof. The shade is a little brighter than it shows it the photographs and is a very close match to the polish shown in the Pretty Little Liars opening scene.This has fast become one of my favourite shades and it is very hard wearing and lasts for ages on the nails. It does take about three coats to get an even colour but it is definitely worth it and I love knowing that I have nails pretty enough to be a Pretty Little Liar even if no one else does, its like I've got my own little secret to keep! You can pick up Loreal Colour Riche on most high streets and it retails at a bargain £4.99! I'm going to do a few more posts picking out my favourite polishes from the show in the next few weeks.

Models Own Nail Art Pen Wah Nails

A review of the Models Own Nail Art Pen by a Nail Art Novice

Models Own Nail Art Pen

Despite being a beauty blogger I am definitely not a nail art expert but I suspect that might change now that I am the proud owner of the Models Own Nail Art Pen. I bought this pen as part of the Boots 3 for 2 offer and to be honest I'm not completely sure why I bought it. It must have something to do with the amazing packaging because I've never really been interested in nail art. I think it looks amazing but I just can't imagine having the time to create intricate patterns on my nails knowing that they will only last a few days. However, I have seen the error of my ways and I love this pen. It makes it super easy to create fun and funky nail designs.

Models Own Nail Art Pen dotting tool  and wand

The Models Own Nail Art pen has a thin nib in the tip that gives out a small amount of polish at a time, which is perfect for creating dots and fine lines. It also has a wand with a long and flxible nib that can be used to create thicker lines and effects. I personally found the longer applicator harder to use at first, as it is easy to overload the applicator with polish making it difficult to create neat designs. You can see from the photograph that a blob of polish has formed, which would smear onto you nails and fingers. However, it is just a matter of practice to get used to this. The actual polish is very long lasting meaning that if you put time into designs they last well without chipping. As I have said this is my first experience of a nail art pen but these are the designs I managed to create.

Black tips

Strip design on ring finger

Going dotty

These are my first three attempts ever at nail art so you can see how the Models Own Nail Art Pen makes nail art really quick and easy, even for a novice like me! Its also quite addictive and now each time I paint my nails I try something new so I'm hoping to come up with some more creative designs soon. Remember these are literally my first three attempts ever!

The products I used to create these designs are Loreal Color Riche in Ingenious Rose, Sephora polish (it doesn't have a shade on the bottle, sorry) and the Models Own Nail Art Pen.

The Models Own Nail Art Pen is available from Boots and costs £6.00.

Shopping

A few purchases from Primark

I've recently been going a bit OTT on the shopping front. Normally I'm super good about budgeting my money and although I have a blog about makeup I am actually pretty good about not buying things that I don't need. I just replace products as they run out with new ones so I always have something to write about but everything I do buy is needed and gets used. Recently however, I've had a couple of splurges. These have included my recent purchases from Primarni, here I bought:

Blue Skinny Jeans £11.00

Stripey Pencil Skirt £7.00

Striped Skinny Jeans with zip detail £15.00

Cream Shirt £5.00

I also splashed out on a few bits from Boots a few weeks ago.Here I bought:

Loreal Colour Riche 209 Ingenious Rose

Models Own Nail Art Pen

Rimmel 1000 Kisses in Stay Very Berry

Collection 2000 Lasting Colour Lipstick in Sweet Tart

17 Fast finish Nail Polish in Peacock

Needless to say there will be reviews of all the makeup purchases coming soon! 

What's in my makeup bag?

I've seen a few similar posts to this on other beauty blogs and I always enjoy reading them, so I thought I'd do one too! I'd just like to say I don't use all of these products everyday as that would be quite a lot of makeup but this is the makeup I am using regularly in one combination or another.

My makeup bag

This is my makeup bag. My lovely friend bought it me a while ago, it isn't big enough for all my makeup but its what I use to carry around my essentials for the day.

Face

For me, its all about getting the correct base for your makeup so I spend rhe most time making sure that my skin looks even and any imperfections are camouflaged.

Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow (Full review here)

This has quickly become my favourite foundations ever. It applies and blends like a dream and is so flattering and easy to wear.

*PR sample

Elf Mineral Foundation 

This is a loose, mineral powder foundation that I use to set my foundation. It comes with SPF 15, which is great if you're using a foundation that doesn't have an SPF.

ELF Complete Coverage Concealer (Full review here)

This palette is great  for concealing dark circles and covering any breakouts.

Benefit Boiing

This is a lovely creamy concealer that covers everything!! Brilliant on bad skin days. 

Benefit Watt's Up 

I've included this in this section but I don't apply it until I've applied all of my makeup. This is a lovely champagne coloured highlighter that I apply to my cheeks, the inside corner of the eye and my cupid's bow. Its very pretty and helps to give the skin a dewy glow.

Eyes

Benefit Browzings (Full review here)

I literally do my eyebrows everyday now after discovering Browzings. Darkening my brows lifts my face and  I can't leave the house without doing them now.

*PR sample

Sleek Storm Palette (Full review here)

I don't often wear eye shadow but if I do I use this palette. I normally go for the lightest, gold shade just to add a bit of colour to the eyes.

I'm not currently using any mascara at the moment as I'm rocking some lash extensions, which makes my morning routine super quick!

Cheeks

I'm quite pale so need a splash of colour and at the moment I'm loving pink and coral shades. My two favourite blushers are Benefit's Coralista and Sephora's Long Lasting Blush in Coral Flush.

Lips

I love to add a splash of colour to my lips. I don't wear lipstick for work but on the weekends I do and my two current favourites are Sleek's True Colour Lipstick in Barely There (full review here) and Collection 2000's Cream Puff Lip Cream in Cotton Candy(full review here).

So there you go, it seems like a lot of makeup but I don't wear all of these products at the same time! My current makeup routine is down to about 15 minutes and at the moment features a combination of these products. How long is your makeup routine? Is 15 minutes about average for day to day makeup?

Benefit They're Real Mascara Review

Benefit They Real

I was given They're Real when I attended a beauty bloggers event hosted by Benefit in February and have used it every day since, until I had my lash extensions done on Friday. I figured this is the ultimate opportunity to compare a false lash effect mascara to actual false lashes and see how it stands up!

They're Real comes in a sleek silver tube. The packaging is pretty sturdy and still looks brand new even though its been knocking around my makeup bag for a month or so. As well as great packaging They're Real has got the mascara wand spot on. The brush is flexible enough for you to be able to reach all your lashes and the bristles are made of a stiff plastic meaning you can grab the lash from the root and really cover it from root to tip.

Benefit They're Real wand

The consistency of this mascara is also really good, it's fluid enough that you can apply multiple coats without clumping and doesn't end up all over your eye lids when trying to create a dramatic effect. This mascara does give volumised, high impact lashes. In just three coats you can get lashes that rival false lashes. I had individual lash extensions done earlier this week and you can see how They're Real compares against these lashes. 

Left:No mascara                         Right: Benefit They're Real

Left: Benefit They're Real                             Right: Individual Lash extensions

There are just two negatives with They're Real. The first is that it is really hard to remove and I always wake up with panda eyes after I've worn it, so recommendations for a decent makeup remover would be appreciated. The second is that its costs £18.50. However, I've been using this tube for over a month and its still going strong. Also, I paid £60 for lash extensions that should last 3 weeks and Benefit's They're Real definitely holds its own against lash extensions, so when you compare it to the £60 I paid for them it actually seems like a bit of a bargain! 

*PR sample

Me Before You by Jojo Moyles

Me Before You

Never Too Broke for Beauty is primarily a beauty blog but sometimes I have a problem with this label because it implies that beauty is merely physical and we all know this isn't the case. So, I've decided to shake things up and write about Me Before You. I read this book a few months ago but it stuck in my head so much that I still find myself thinking about it.

I should mention that I would never have read this book if it hadn't been recommended to me. I would have looked at its cover, highlighted in pink, and dismissed it as fluffy 'chick lit.' However, this book is not only accessible, it is also a ridiculously good read. I can't remember the last time when I read a book where I cared so much about the characters. Our main characters are Will and Lou. Lou isn't your obvious romantic lead; she's on the dole, lives with her parents and has a somewhat eclectic fashion sense. Will is far more your typical romantic male lead; he is the strong silent type, is intelligent,dark and handsome, he just happens to be severely disabled.

Me Before You isn't your typical book about love, it definitely explores the theme of love but it discusses the idea that perhaps love isn't all you need. Maybe love isn't the all-conquering force that it is often sold as being. This book isn't just about love, its about relationships,adversity, disabled,life and the right to die.  I don't want to say too much about the book because I want everyone to read it and love it just as much as I did. Just a warning, if you do read Me Before You, keep a weekend free because you won't want to put it down and if you love it as much I did you won't be able to stop thinking about Will and Lou.

Beauty Bloggers Button Swap

I'm fast approaching my first year anniversary as a beauty blogger and *shock horror* I have only just got a button for my blog! I'm going to make some space on my sidebar to host one or two other buttons so I was wondering if anyone would like to do a button swap?

I realise that some bloggers charge for advertising space to host a button on their site. I'm very much a believer in each to their own but I  definitely wouldn't be comfortable charging another blogger for some space on my blog. All I ask for is that you will feature my button on your blog for the same amount of time!If you're interested please leave me a comment with a link to your blog and I'll get in touch.

Lash Extensions

If any of you follow me on Twitter you'll know that this week I have been a beauty blogger on the verge of some kind of a breakdown. The breakdown hasn't materialised as quite frankly I haven't had the time! I decided that I was going to treat myself in an attempt to perk myself up a bit so I booked in for my first set of lash extensions. I have a few friends who have them and one friend in particular whose lashes look amazing so I decided to go to Inside Spa in Nelson to have them done as this is where she goes.

Natural lashes

Even though I have friends who have them done I knew nothing about the process of getting lash extensions applied. I was escorted into a dimly room that you expect when you go for a massage. I lead down and the therapist placed pads underneath my eyes, this is to stop the lash extensions sticking to your bottom lashes. Then you basically close your eyes and relax for 2 hours as the lashes are applied! At first I was feeling a little anxious as I'm quite claustrophobic and didn't like the feeling of someone leaning over my face. Also, when I was told it would take two hours I couldn't help but worry that I was going to need a wee at some point! However, I soon gave in to the plinky plonky spa music, let my anxieties wash away and began to relax. I didn't quite fall asleep but it was definitely a nice way to spend a few hours and provided the much needed break I'd been craving!

Lash extensions

Left: before Right: after

I've never even worn false lashes so I opted for a more natural look, however if I get them done again I may go for a little more of a dramatic look. You can wear mascara over these lashes, it must be oil free and you need to remove it with oil free makeup remover. These lashes cost me £60 and infills are £21, I'm hoping they'll last a good three weeks before they need doing again. I'm not convinced I'm 60 pounds worth of impressed with them but I am definitely looking forward to an extra 10 minutes in bed as I won't need to apply mascara. I think I'll go for a little bit of a longer lash next time so I feel like I'm getting my moneys worth..

Saying goodbye to a few favourites

Each month I see posts on beauty blogs about the products they've finished this month and I wonder how these bloggers get through so many. However, I decided it was time to have a clear out of my makeup bag and it turns out I had loads of finished products, I just didn't want to throw them away! So, in an attempt to overcome my tendency to hoard finished products here is my first empties post! I've decided to focus on foundations and mascaras.

NYC Natural Matte Foundation and Maxfactor Smooth Effect Foundation

Foundation

NYC Natural Matte Foundation

So this foundation costs £2.99 from Superdrug and I love it. It doesn't have an SPF like you would expect from a more expensive product but this really works for me. It is medium to full coverage, is buildable, easy to wear and is long wearing. I think this is a real gem and a real bargain.

Cost: £2.99

Would I repurchase: Yes! 

You can read a full review of NYC Matte Foundation here.

Maxfactor Smooth Effect Foundation

This is another foundation that I love. Again it doesn't come with an SPF but it is oil free and doesn't clog pores.This foundation is great for evening out skin tone and cover minor breakouts, however it isn't the best on more severe breakouts as it can look quite cakey.

Cost: £7.99

Would I repurchase: Yes

You can read a full review of Maxfactor Smooth Effect Foundation here. 

Mascara

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara

This mascara has a two wands that create impressive volume. The formula is a little wet and it  clumps easily. I personally find the two wands a little bit fussy but when you get used to it and can recognise when to stop before it starts clumping, the end results are impressive.

Cost: £10.49

Would I repurchase: Maybe, a good mascara but not fond of the two wands.

You can read a full review of the Bourjois Volumizer Mascara here.

17 Peep Show Mascara

A good lengthening mascara that is great for everyday. It is buildable and doesn't clump easily but isn't one for those looking for a false lash effect.

Cost: £6.29

Would I repurchase: No, this is a nice mascara but I need volume as well as length. 

You can read a full review of 17 Peep Show Mascara here.

Maxfactor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara

This stands as my favourite mascara of all time! I am open to suggestions of others to test if you feel you have a rival but I LOVE this mascara! It is easy to apply and creates high impact lashes. I haven't come across a better mascara yet.

Cost: £10.99

Would I repurchase: Yes

You can read a full review of Maxfactor's False Lash Effect Fusion here.