Satin Pink Barry M Raspberry Nails Review

As a post exam treat to myself today after what can only be described as an awful experience I decided that I'd go and have a mini manicure at the local beauty salon in the Student Union. After all I felt my nails needed some sort of care after I'd bitten them to pieces in my stress, including biting off half the nail varnish I'd formally had on them! So they certainly were in a bit of a state to say the least! 

Anyway, the beautician filed my nails back into a decent shape and removed the scraps of nail polish I had on my nails previous before asking me to choose a colour to go for. To be honest I wasn't really minding what I had and was quite happy to go for anything. I asked what she recommended and she said she quite liked the current Satin coloured trend. I certainly was game and more than happy to give the trend a go, I knew I'd like it and if I didn't what's the worst to happen. I take the varnish off!

Anyway we went with a reddy pink as she said she could see I was a girly girl (sure my baby pink vest top/cardigan and necklace didn't give that away). So suggested the Barry M Raspberry Nail Paint (No.273). Got to say I love it!

Now I never actually thought about nail salons actually using the 'highstreet' brands within their stores. Usually it's some professional brand that costs an absolute fortune but Barry M is one of them brands that I've been purchasing since being a pre-teen just for home use! But I guess it just proves that sometimes you can get a decent polish for next to nothing. Plus the positive thing is now I know that I can achieve the same look at home!

I will admit that it didn't dry mega fast. And I suspect it won't be long before I notice a chip but when you pay £2.99 for a bottle a little touch up won't hurt!

What do you think of the Satin Nail trend? Do you think any other colour would have been better?

Emily x

Image Source: 
1) Original Image
2) http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/paint/all-nail-paints.html

Bikini and Body Confidence

Hello everyone,

So I was browsing the internet for some summer beauty inspiration and came across a post from Super Savvy Me that stated that 'Most Women Do Not Feel Confident In A Bikini!' Well upon reading this I thought, tell me something I don't know! I think it's safe to say unless you're an amazingly confident person who never has any worries or fears - in which case I'm extremely envious of you - that we all have had that moment of dread when thinking about going out in a bikini. It's the whole idea of being fully exposed and having everything there on show for anyone to see. No matter how tall, short, fat, thin or anything in between most people will have a body hang up in some way or be just a little bit self conscious of the way they look. The best part being that more often than not, no one else cares at all and it's all in our heads! 

But this got me thinking how self conscious I actually am when going away or knowing I'll be seen in just a bikini. Now most people if they see me wouldn't believe I'd have any issues at all. I am very very slim, too slim in fact and could probably do with putting on a bit of weight! But that doesn't mean I don't have body worries. I'm forever plagued with the whole thing that because I'm so slim literally I feel like everything and anything I eat goes straight to my stomach and then I end up with a nice little food baby! Not what you want when you're trying to walk around in a bikini! Of course anybody else would probably be saying 'What on earth is she talking about?' 'Her stomach is so flat!' 'Food baby? Does she need glasses?' In answer to all of these Yes I am probably imagining it and yes I'm making it seem 10 x worse than it ever is. But that's the thing about confidence. It's how you feel in yourself, and often no matter how many times someone else tells you something you still don't fully believe them! 

So I've been thinking about ways that we can have an 'instant' body boost of confidence.There certainly has to be some way of boosting this even if it's just a tiny bit! Super Savvy Me does actually have a few suggestions of their own but I'm not sure how effective they'd be, I mean can something so simple as these things really work? I guess you shouldn't knock something unless you've tried them. So over the next few days I'll be posting a different Summer body boosting confidence idea and here is the first one:

Get a pedicure!

Apparently it really is that simple. According to research they carried out on some of their panel the easiest way to instantly give yourself a bit of a body confidence boost is to treat yourself toes to a pedicure! I know I didn't think that something so small could be effective either. But their beauty editor stated that seeing well groomed, bright and vibrant coloured toes will instantly lift your mood and of course in the summer months we (should) have our feet on show a lot more. (After all we should all be in sandals and showing off our Flip Flops, although if you live in Britain I would beg to differ when that opportunity may be!) 

Going on the theory that this works I suggest we all get ourselves down to our local nail and beauty salons pretty sharpish! I know my feet could certainly do with a bit of TLC as I have neglected them a lot over this winter! In fact my nails are awful looking at them! Maybe a pedicure will give me a boost just because I've had a bit of a pamper! Although if you're like me and a bit strapped for cash right now, a luxury pedicure may be out of the question. So here are some little tips for ways you can treat yourself at home...

• File and Trim your nails to a square shape as this avoids the risk of the nail becoming ingrown. Which I can tell you is not pleasant in any way, shape or form! 
• Next ensure the nails cuticle beds are all removed by using a cuticle remover and stick to push the nail beds back. 
• After this you want to ensure the nails are free of any old polish, so make sure you're using a good quality nail varnish remover such as Andrea Fulerton Pump It Up Nail Varnish Remover £3.99 from Superdrug and cotton pads and give your toes a wipe over. Then use a nail buffer to smooth over the nails and get rid of any flaky bits as this will ensure your nail polish goes on much smoother.
• Now get a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. This should soften up the skin and make it easier for when you're buffing your feet to remove all the dead and hard skin. 

• As you might have guessed next you should use a foot file to remove all the hard skin off the bottom of your feet, alongside a foot exfoliater/scrub and get those gorgeous smooth feet you deserve. I'd recommend the Superdrug Intensive Foot Scrub £3.49 from Superdrug as it contains gentle exfoliants, jojoba seed oil and aloe vera which will smooth and soften rough and dry skin. 

• Then use a moisturiser, a specified foot one is best such as the CCS Foot Cream 175ml £7.99 from Superdrug. This is as specialized foot moisturizing creams are more effective in dealing with the intensity of the hard skin of feet and will keep the feet softer and less dry for a longer period of time. Which hopefully will prevent any further problems developing.
• Now just give your nails one last wipe over with some nail varnish remover to remove any grease and oil. Before applying a nail strengthening base coat. 

• This is probably the best bit! Choosing which colour to use as your varnish! The hot colours for summer are Bright Pink, Orange and Turquoise Blue. These are some of my favourites below: 

Barry M Blueberry Ice Cream Nail Polish £2.99 from Superdrug.

Nicole  by O.P.I Nail Lacquer in City - Pretty Rose £7.99 from Superdrug.

Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Cerise £5.99 from Superdrug.

But of course you should go with whatever takes your fancy! Once you've selected your colour apply two coats (allowing time to dry in between). Before finishing off with a clear topcoat.

That should just about complete your own DIY pedicure. So what do you think, can a pedicure really be all you need to get that boost of body confidence? 

Emily x

All images sourced from the Superdrug Website. 

Nails, nails, nails.

We all seem to have those little discussions with friends and family about different beauty products and I've noticed it seems that nails are a particular hot topic of choice right now. I know there are a lot of the ladies out there who really have quite a bit of a passion and certainly lots of expertise in this area and love a good natter, sharing their latest little tips and techniques. Plus any excuse to have a chat is worth it, right?

Now I'm not saying I'm an expert as I'm certainly not, but I like to think through all the things I've learned both in general life, from friends and working in Boots I know a fair bit now! Although there is still a great deal I need to learn for sure. But me and a couple of friends were talking about nails the other day and I thought I may as well share my feelings with you lovely lot too! So I've listed the questions and my answers below...

How do you shop nail? Do you shop on impulse or is it planned?

Usually when I'm buying nail varnishes it tends to be pre-planned. More often that not I know I'm gonna be getting some nail varnish. I may not know what brand or even sometimes what colour I want ,but generally would be on the look out for a new one. I find it's often when I know there is a special deal on, like the No.7 vouchers, in that case I know I'm going to buy a nail varnish, but often don't have a specific colour in mind. I more just prefer browsing them and choosing whatever takes my fancy. Although, that's not to say I haven't bought on impulse before. In fact I can think of lots of examples where I've shopped on impulse, a prime example I can think of is when  I was out shopping the other week and I saw that Barry M had released their glitter range. Those of you that know me, know I love  a bit of glitter and anything with a bit of sparkle instantly will catch my eye. So I couldn't resist and had to pick it up! Got to say I do love it! Actually stays on really well!

How do you shop nail accessories? (e.g.nail files, top coats. base coats, etc)

When shopping for nail accessories, as long as I know what it is I specifically want then I will go to a retailer I know has a decent amount of choice in that product and then select what I think is best from the choice available. For example say I want to get a nail strengthener then I will head to somewhere like Boots and go straight to their beauty accessories section and browse the ones on choice before selecting my preference and paying. I don't generally just browse for nail accessories as with them they tend to be something that I only buy when I need them. Plus working for Boots I generally know what's available on the market already so it doesn't take long to choose!

What influences what colour or effect you go for?

   

Generally when selecting a colour, if it's planned, then I often know the colour I'm after and it will because either it's a colour I don't have or one that I'm running low on. Also if I do know the colour, it can often usually be to go with a certain outfit. Or sometimes it's just something that I think will look nice! However in the case of the No.7 vouchers, I might know I'm buying a nail varnish but I generally don't know a specific colour so tend to pick one that catches my eye. Plus try and find one I haven't already had! Which in the case of this brand gets harder and harder! They need some more new colours I think...or I need to stop buying the No.7 nail varnishes up! 

When looking at nail varnish adverts, what are you generally looking for?

When looking at nail varnish ads I like the nail varnish to look gourgeous on the models nails, proper glossy and shiny and look like they make their nails stand out. Also it needs to look like it's quality and not one of those that will chip off in two minutes! I know it's easier to make nails look better in print ads as you can get the lighting just perfect and also take great care in applying the nail varnish to look perfect. But what would be even better is for a TV ad to show someone applying it in real time and then it drying double quick and by the end of the ad it's touch dry! Too much to ask?!

What's the next step nail brands need to take?

I think the next step for nail polishes needs to be to create nail polishes that care and nourish your nails while still giving you great colour. As 'caring' polishes are always clear or pale pink! We need bright, vibrant and bold like hot pink, blue, even yellow! Just something that's not so 'natural'. 

Which nail varnish brand has just go it 'right'?

For me the brand that's leading the nail varnish trends is Barry M. For a high-street brand they're very high quality and have a great range of colours and effects. From the basic colour collection, to glitter nails, to pastel shades. Plus being the home of the original crackle and magnetic nails! I find they're nail varnishes don't chip as easily as some of the other brands and are just the first one I consider when thinking of nails! Even over the more premium ones like Nails INC! The other great thing about Barry M is that the nail varnishes are nourishing for the nails too and don't stain them, even the bold bright vibrant colours like the yellow don't! Can't go wrong really!

So what do you ladies think? Have a different view form me? Let me know your thoughts...

Emily x

Exam Hell and Beauty Pick Me Ups - NARS 2013 Colour Collection

Okay ladies, I'm very sorry but I lied. I said I would be posting very regularly but for the past few days I've neglected yous and haven't been posting at all! But I do have a reason and I hope his justifies why. Basically I've been in major stress mode over Uni! I had an exam tuesday and was really stressing myself with revising and remembering everything, all the fine details and was proper panicking that I'd forget everything and didn't know enough. Well turns out I didn't need to learn half the things I did. Good right? Wrong! I didn't learn the things I was supposed to either! The word failure doesn't even come close! I know you're probably going to be the same as everyone else and think 'Oh she's over exaggerating. I'm sure you've done much better than you thought. You'll be fine.' But no this is not me being over-dramatic! Believe me you would know when I'm being over-dramatic and this isn't one of those occasions. I will honestly place any money you wish on the fact I have completely failed that exam.

I'm not gonna lie. I was and still am pretty upset. I just feel like I've majorly let myself down. But I guess there isn't really much I can do now. I'm just resting in the knowledge that in August there are resits, so I shall be giving up some of my Summer in order to try and redeem myself! So I suppose at least I've got that to fall back on in a way! It's not ideal but it's a positive for me as I can try and at least get a 2:2 at the very least!

Right so anyway I've been feeling quite sorry for myself as you can imagine, so have tried to cheer myself up a bit by walking into town and looking at clothes and beauty products, something that I love looking at and seeing the latest trends of. Even if I don't own it or buy it, I still like learning about new products and discovering things, it's just something that I enjoy! It certainly helps me feel better, I guess I really do benefit from the myth of 'retail therapy'. But anyway, while on my 'self help' walk round the town I came across something I was quite excited about!

Introducing the new NARS 2013 Colour Collection! Now I think it's safe to say we all know how high quality NARS is and usually their products are pretty high qualit. So to see the latest collection did get me a little bit hyped up! The new collection is full of things right up my street too! It's a lovely mixture of soft metallic, jewel coloured pieces and then contrasted with some majorly bold pieces. It seems to be all about expression and confidence yet still maintains that glamourous and feminine look. 

The new collection is made up of many pieces including dazzling, shimmery nail varnish, bright and bold eyeshadows and my personal favourite being the mega hot lip shimmers! If nothing else I will embrace them as I love a bit of sultriness (if that's even actually a word!) It all feels like a winter warmer to get 2013 off to a glamourous start and see us well into the summer months, so a definite worthy investment in my opinion! Or at least that's what I'm justifying when I end up spending half my student loan on it!

A lot of beauty experts are saying it's a bit of a throw back to the 90s and saying the colours seen in the NARS collection will be the style of Spring! So looks like this upcoming season will be all about shimmer and jewels and making our precious selves stand out! 

I don't know if it's even the fact that NARS have released a new collection that I'm excited about. Or the fact that there are gonna be so many amazing replications from other make-up brands (hopefully the ones that are more suited to my student budget!) In fact I've already spotted some pieces, here are my personal favourites...

Soap & Glory Super Colour Fabulipstick Powdercoat Matte Lipstick £6.00 from Boots.

  So shimmery, so gourgeous, so glam! It's hard not to resist and perfect for the hot look of Spring! This one is almost identical to the NARS collection one, yet half the price!!

Collection 2000 Eye Palette in Poptastic! £4.19 from Collection.

Gives eyes an instant colour boost and really makes them stand out! From the lime green to the canary yellow to the electric blue colour, whatever one takes your fancy you'll be able to create a bold and beautiful style! 

Barry M Magnetic Nail Polish £4.99 from Boots.

All the shades in this range will be perfectly on trend this season so really it's for you to decide what look you like best! The one in the image is the Blue but I also love the Burgendy and the Violet too! 

So will you be trying the new NARS 2013 Colour Collection? Or maybe one of the other highstreet versions?

Emily xx