Holiday-Ready Nails with Rimmel's NEW Super Gel Shades


If I could pick three beauty-related things which make me feel sassy and confident it would be winged liner (that goes right first time), a bangin' red lipstick and freshly painted nails. Although I have a very and habit of picking and biting my nails, when I muster the strength to grow them to a decent length, I love taking time to give myself a little manicure, painting my nails and making them look pretty. There's something about perfectly painted, un-chipped nail polish that just makes you feel like you have your life together, isn't there? The latest polishes to grace my nails has been this new range from Rimmel, the colours within which just scream summer.




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Classic & Classy: Leighton Denny Nail Varnishes


I own a lot of nail varnishes. In fact, I have so many nail varnishes I have to keep them in their own case (and that's after a clear out!). There's something so complete about having freshly painted nails; it makes you feel extra confident and like you 100% have your life together, plus it's even better if the colour matches your outfit (double sass points for you if you do this). Although my collection is quite vast, displaying a large array of brands, colours and nail art trends that have been and gone, I only wear a select few on a regular basis. Back in the day, I'd grab anything bright, fun and daring, however now, the only ones I really turn to are the classic shades that are known for timeless glamour. Perhaps it's working in an office where wacky nail art isn't really accepted, or maybe it's my personal style and taste developing over time, but these Leighton Denny shades are ticking all the right boxes at the moment!



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INSTA GIRL: Primark Beauty Just Got Instagrammable


Primark isn't your usual place to go beauty shopping. It's great for picking up a bargainous outfit, but when it comes to make-up, it's not the first place you think of. However, I have tried a few bits and pieces over the years and have come to love some of it (namely their false nails, false eyelashes- which are surprisingly good- and nail varnish remover pots). Although they have their standard PS Love beauty range, Primark have just released a new collection which is oh so instagrammable...the Insta Girl range. Although I'm unsure about the concept for this (I for one hate the Instagram / blogger cliches that the range capitalises on), the makeup pieces that it has produced are pretty darn cute.




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Treat Yo'Self! 5 Affordable Gifts To Buy Yourself This Valentine's Day


Whether you are looking forward to it, dreading it or couldn't care less, there's no avoiding the fact that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Corny cards are on shelves, roses are being fully stocked and beauty launches are aligning themselves with the most romantic day of the year. Although I love the thought of putting some time aside for your loved one and having the excuse to have a proper date night (you can check out my top date ideas here), Valentine's Day itself is a bit of a commercial gimmick. That said, I can't help buying into this trend; the pretty, pink, sweet beauty ranges are right up my street and too irresistible to walk by. So, why not use it as an excuse to show yourself some love. You're amazing and we all need treats every now and again! Here's my pick of the lovely Valentine's themed beauty launches that are all under £6; there's no reason not to treat yourself with these!




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Going Nude With Kiko Nail Lacquers


So, it seems that nude is the new 'colour du jour' in the beauty world and every brand is making the most of this trend. Whilst it may traditionally be seen as boring, it's comeback coincides with a call for classier, more wearable tones which compliments your look rather than making a statement. I don't know about you, but I always feel a bit naked without wearing nail varnish; my beauty look just isn't 'complete' without it. However, sometimes you just don't want to wear a bold pink or classic red and something a little more understated is needed. While many brands have offered their own selection of barely-there colours, I always believe Kiko gives the best range and quality for your money.






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Little Ondine: The Magical No-Fumes, Peel-Off Nail Varnish (That's Cruelty-Free Too!)


Innovation is one of the most exciting things in the world of beauty. It's those moments when something is created and you think, 'why did nobody do that before?!'. My love for nail varnish has been a fraught one. When I lived in my parent's home, I adored painting my nails and trying out all forms of spangly nail art- it was a bit of creative 'me time'. However, it used to drive my Dad (an ex-paint sprayer) absolutely mad- the strong, nail varnish fumes gave him a headache and I was banished outdoors to decorate my talons. The smell of nail varnish is a bit like marmite; some don't mind it, others can't stand it. So, it's strange to think nothing had been done about this fumy scent...until Little Ondine came about.



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NEW YSL Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain Shades (With Matching Matte Nail Varnishes!)


It's not everyday I get excited about the fact a lipstick is available in some extra colours, but YSL's Glossy Stains are definitely the exception to the rule. (Don't get me wrong, I pee my pants with excitement about new range launches, but colour extensions are usually a bit meh). YSL's Pop Water range stole my heart the moment they launched, with the unusual-shaped applicator and long-lasting wow-factor, and I can assure you that the new 4 shades are equally as fabulous. As if the new additions to an already-fantastic range wasn't enough, each shade has its own matching MATTE nail varnish to top off your Autumn/Winter beauty look.





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OPI Trend On Ten: The Classic Nail Varnish Essentials

I love nail varnishes nearly as much as I love cake (ie. quite a bit). This blog even started out as a site dedicated to all things nail art! While the world of nail art has died down quite a lot since its heyday a couple of years ago, it's still amazing how nail varnish can be used to complete, transform or co-ordinate an outfit. It's essentially an accessory in itself. Nowadays, there are a range of brands offering every colour imaginable to paint your nails with. But, despite all this, it's the simple, classic shades that we end up running back to, isn't it?


OPI trend on ten nail varnishes review

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The £1 Wonder: Primark's Nail Varnish Remover Twist Pot

Always being one to try out the latest beauty hype or gizmo, I was especially grateful to be greeted by a little nail varnish remover pot sitting in my room when I returned back to High Wycombe for a visit. My mum, knowing my deep-running nail varnish obsession, had lovingly bought it for me to try out. Not having tried much of Primark's 'P.S Love' beauty range, I was sceptical about the quality of the product but definitely couldn't argue with the £1 price.

nail varnish remover pot primark


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Cosmetics Fairy Haul

Cosmetics Fairy is a website I've heard a lot of, and looked at a lot, but I just somehow never made a purchase. I was mainly worried about the products being completely tacky, old, and unusable, especially as you cannot see them in person beforehand. However, I recently took the plunge and grabbed some goodies. The prices are so low; my purchases ranged from 50p to £1 for some very well-known brands!






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2True Salon Shine: 'Mila'

As summer has approached us, it's time to deck out our beauty regime with fun, bold colours. It's the time to try out those bright shades on your hair, lids, lips and nails. I love switching my nail colour up to suit my look and mood, so this orange shade from 2True seemed the perfect accompaniment to my summer adventures.




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My Weekend: Superdrug Haul!

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I was more than excited to spend my Sunday in Superdrug, spending all my money on any beauty product that particularly caught my eye. I actually ended up spending a lot less than anticipated, partly because I stuck to 'budget' products, but mainly because Superdrug have an incredible 3 for 2 offer on at the moment.

As many of the things I went in for were out of stock (namely the Accessorize Shimmer Block highlighter), I stuck to the 6 products. Within the 3 for 2 offer, you get the cheapest of the 3 free, so it's well worth trotting down there and stocking up on any of your beauty favourites. If you're a student, Superdrug also do 10% off when a valid NUS card is shown; another reason to splash you cash!



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