Showing posts with label Nail Polish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nail Polish. Show all posts

ICONIC HOLLYWOOD EDITION GLOSSYBOX


Hi Everyone and Happy Friday! In today's post I want to share with you my initial impressions on the Iconic Hollywood Edition GlossyBox.



A classic iconic red that Marilyn herself would no doubt love. Available in matt and shine finishes.

I am not usually a fan of lip crayons as I find that the caps tend to come off all the time in my handbag. Very annoying! I made the decision quite some time ago not to buy more for this reason. 

This lipstick crayon however that I have just applied I have instantly fallen in love with. Most products of this type tend to be glossy, but mine is matt and I have to say wow it looks good. All I need is winged eyeliner, a slinky dress and somewhere glam to be.

The colour is a very bold starlet red with an orange undertone which always makes my blue eyes pop. My lips get very dry very easily so matt formula's I tend to avoid. This product however feels velvety on my lips and applied so smoothly. I am so impressed by the formula and the pigment. My lips are not drying out at all.

I am new to Lord & Berry as a brand, but I certainly want to check out more of their products.


This product claims to be very easy to use as with one swipe you can create a winged line or blend for a smokey effect.

I love the name sooty black, but I would say that's my favourite thing about this liner. The pigment is black, but not the darkest black I have ever tried. I lined my upper lid and winged it out. I found it took quite a few strokes even after warming up the pencil on the back of my hand. You will not be able to create a precise line with this pencil easily. I also applied it under my eyes and tried smoking it out with the smudger. To be honest I think it just removed some of the product.

Pop Beauty are also new to me and have other products I would be interested in trying, but this one just didn't do it for me.


A moisturising and protective formula providing elasticity to the skin for a firmer look and feel while softening lines and wrinkles. It also gives skin a radiating glow.

It smells lovely and will hopefully be a great moisturising cream. It does have a more hefty price tag than I would usually pay, but it says to use only a pearl-sized amount morning and night.

Daprhin are also a brand I haven't tried before so it will be great to see how the quality of this product fairs.


This nude shade is great for any skin tone and is said to have a high shine finish.

I don't think nude nails will ever go out of fashion. They go with everything and are very wearable for all ages.


  • Top Notes: Hot Milk & White Peach.
  • Middle Notes: Jasmine & Tuberose.
  • Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cedar Wood, Vanilla & Musk.
A softening and protective formula for your hands that will also strengthen the nails. This product is not tested on animals.

The tube is sealed, but I can already smell the vintage floral scent before taking it out of the box. I love the packaging, but I am a not sure if the scent appeals to me so far as I am not a big fan of vanilla and floral vintage scents.

I am still using other hand creams so I will review this product as soon as I can.

I am very happy with the Lord & Berry lip product in this box. The eyeliner was a bit disappointing and everything else is just wait and see for now.

I am so glad there is no spoiler card in this box for the next one. I like to have everything in each box be a surprise every month which was what initially enticed me to subscribe.

For more information on GlossyBox UK click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX: STEP INTO SPRING


Hiya beauties. I have another post for you sharing my first impressions of the 'Step Into Spring' GlossyBox.



This is an organic peeling milk from Spanish eco-brand Naobay that removes dead skin cells and brightens the complexion.

Massage gently with only a little pressure over damp skin.

When I first heard the word peeling I thought this seemed a little scary, but by the sounds of it it's like an exfoliating moisturiser hybrid. I love the earthy packaging.


With a cobra head-shaped wand to create length and dramatic volume for inky black eyes.

Zig zag the mascara from base to tip when applying.

I do love a mascara that can tick all the boxes. I love length, curl, volume and a jet black pigment. The packaging is adorable. This is my first Essence product so I am excited to try it out.


This hydrating duo repairs brittle tresses while replenishing lost nutrients. Hair is left stronger, sleeker and looking twice as thick.

Massage the shampoo into wet hair and rinse. Squeeze out excess water and apply the conditioner. Leave on for 2-3 mins before rinsing.

I have previously used other Dove haircare products and loved them so I am sure these will be a treat.


Free of toxins is this quick drying neon pastel nail lacquer in a light mint cream shade.

After applying a base coat apply two coats of this nail lacquer. Run hands under cold water to dry your manicure.

This is an okay shade, but it doesn't excite me too much. I like the packaging, but the sticker on the bottom has been placed on a bit haphazardly. I do like that it's cruelty free, but I can see more exciting nail lacquers in their range.


A moisturising sheer tint lip balm with superfood ingredients for a lip enhancing effect.

I am still unsure if I like the scent/taste as it has the classic Carmex scent with added sweetness. The product does feel very moisturising on the lips from trying it out today and the colour is actually a really nice glossy berry shade that is somewhere between a tint and a lipstick in pigmentation. It really is lip enhancing making your pout look plumped and kissable.

I am really pleased with this GlossyBox. My only negative is the chosen nail shade.

For more information on the UK GlossyBox click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

XMAS STOCKING FILLERS

Hey lovelies. I have missed blogging until now this week as I have been so caught up in work as well as Xmas bits and bobs. 

On Tuesday we had our Secret Santa with our Xmas lunch. I was lucky this year to have a friend of mine buy for me. She chose well knowing I am a make-up addict so here is what I received.


MUA (MAKEUP ACADEMY):

BRONZE EYESHADOW

ULTRAMARINE NAIL POLISH

BRUNETTE EYE BROW PENCIL

CANDYFLOSS BLUSHER

LILAC BELLE MATTE LIPSTICK

The budget for our Secret Santa is £5 per person so as you can see you can still give or receive fabulous make-up items this Xmas. Great as stocking fillers or perhaps table top gifts.

Available at MUASTORE.CO.UK where there is currently a 3 for 2 on all eye products. You can also purchase from SUPERDRUG where if you spend £8 on MUA products you receive the limited edition Twelfth Night Palette (subject to availability). 

I have made up a starter make-up kit for my Mum this year as she never wears make-up, but wants to try it. I have picked up a few MUA products for her kit, but unfortunately the free palette was sold out :(

Why not share your favourite things to find in your Xmas stocking below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

HJ MANICURE LUXURY 5 FREE NAIL POLISH

Hey sweets. Happy Sunday to you all. Where did this week go? I have no idea. 

I have recently been sent some nail polishes to try that are free from Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutylphthalate (DBP), Camphor and Formaldehyde Resin. Perfect for cruelty free and vegan friendly beauty lovers. HJ MANICURE has been created by model/session manicurist Helen J. 

So what do these products promise? A glossy, professional formula that is fast drying, highly pigmented and long lasting with a smooth application while reinforcing and protecting the natural nail. 

There are 4 collections aptly named HOLIDAY, CLASSIC, HJ SIGNATURE & NUDE. In the core range there are 16 vivid colours as well as 4 new shades and a Dual Top & Base coat.


Left: COCO & Right: MIDNIGHT SKY

Coco is described as a brown/pink shade. I would say it's a brown based nude with a pink undertone. It looks a deeper shade than the camera was picking up here, but not as dark as shown on the HJ website linked above. This is a great everyday shade for any occasion. Very wearable.

Midnight Sky is from the A/W Shimmer Collection. This is the signature navy blue shade at HJ MANICURE. It is a gorgeous deep blue with a fantastic, glossy shimmer.

I applied both of these shades at the same time to alternate nails for an effective contrast of subtle and deep shimmer.

It's advised to apply the Dual Top & Base coat first, followed by two coats of your chosen shade and finally the dual product once again. I did not have this dual HJ product so instead I used my own dual top and base coat.

These are very opaque and pigmented polishes that apply easily with a not too thick brush that covers the nails beds with the perfect amount of product. They both have a lovely finish. The shade Midnight Sky was a lot more glossy because of the shimmer effect. They did dry very quickly with a smooth application. I like the fuss free packaging that looks polished in itself and would sit well on display in any nail polish collection.

My only negative is that they did not last more than 2 days for me before chipping. I can not say if the HJ MANICURE Top & Base coat or another such like product would have kept the polish on for longer, but I have had other polishes last longer using my own dual top & base coat.

Let me know your favourite shades from the HJ MANICURE COLLECTION in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

POP ART GLOSSYBOX

Hi everyone. I received my Pop Art GlossyBox the other day and have not yet properly checked out the products so here are my first impressions :)


To start with I have to talk about the box itself. I love the bold pop art design. It will make a fab storage piece in my make-up collection. So now for the products:


There are 88 paint pots within the Ciate collection. It is recommended to apply two coats of this product. I love the long handle and pretty bow design of these bottles. This is a gorgeous purple shade that I am sure I will enjoy.


A 24hr moisturising mask to hydrate and soothe the skin. Instantly the product works to reduce discomfort or redness. Skin is left with a radiant and relaxed appearance. Suitable for all skin types.
Apply once or twice a week to the face and eye area for 10 mins. Massage the excess into the skin thereafter. Can be kept in the fridge for a refreshing effect.
Let's hope that this is as moisturising as it promises. With winter coming it could possibly be a saviour for parched skin like mine.
A 9-in-1 skin perfecting make-up product with a natural formula for a flawless matte look.
Apply in circular motions with fingers or a foundation brush.
I am sure I have tried a sample of this from a magazine, but I can't remember which shade. I know I didn't dislike the product, but I can't remember exact details so I will try out this mini shade and let you know my thoughts.
Encapsulating the feeling of falling in love.
Apply to the wrists and neck.
I like the simplistic bottle design. It's not too overdone and more of a classic. The scent is a little old school for me. It has rose which I am not a massive fan of. It just makes me feel older than I am.
A carbon-black mascara with hyaluronic spheres to achieve the darkest, curviest lashes possible.
Apply two coats sweeping upwards.
My mascara did have a seal, but there were a few black marks on it as well as a small chip. I am not sure if the black marks were from the print on the tube or another mascara? I do like the gold packaging and the cute bird design. A key point on a flutter mascara, although I think more of butterflies fluttering by. When I try this out I will review it for you.
A moisturising exfoliator to replenish and define the lips. Removing dead skin cells for perfectly soft lips.
Massage in circular motions for 1 minute. Remove with a damp cotton pad.
Only recently have I noticed a big change in the condition of my lips as they are extra dry and peeling. This has come at the right time so fingers crossed this works.
I think this month it's a good box. I am not a fan of the perfume as already stated and I do own similar nail shades to this one, but I can't fault GlossyBox for that.
As a side note I do miss the information card in the box. For product information you are now asked to view the GlossyBox website. A card for a sneak peek into next month's box and a competition has been included instead. Perhaps product information could be printed on the inside of the box?
For more information on GlossyBox UK click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.
What did you think of this month's GlossyBox? Let me know in the comments below.


Love to you all


Vicky xx

MAX FACTOR GEL SHINE LACQUERS

Hi once again today cherubs. I have been testing out for the last few weeks the MAX FACTOR GEL SHINE LACQUERS which were very kindly sent to me to review. I have four of the nine available shades and here they are.


L-R: SPARKLING BERRY (55), GLAZED COBALT (40), SHEEN MERLOT (60) & LACQUERED VIOLET (35)

Stated to be high gloss, high intensity, high impact gel-effect shine finish nail lacquers that last up to 7 days. With a self-levelling formula to minimise streaks and brush marks. A rich, thick consistency that is easy to apply.

So what are my thoughts?

I have never tried gel nails so to have the at home experience was a great way for me to see if I liked the effect on my nails.

The first shade I tried was Sparkling Berry. It was a lovely shade that to me looked more raspberry red than the colour swatch shown on the Max Factor website which shows this as a more purple almost deep taupe based shade. It doesn't appear sparkling as the name suggests either. My nails were glossy and the application was seamless with no streaks or brush marks. I applied two coats over a base coat followed by a nail spray as I wanted the gel-effect to show through and not be masked by a top coat that actually provides the shine. This was a big mistake. The review of that nail spray is here. I did not like the nail spray, but I do not think that my disappointment was all down to the type of nail spray used as my nails chipped about four times within 24 hours. I had to keep reapplying the nail lacquer as I was going to an event, but on the final chip just as I was leaving I had to go and just live with it.

The next shade I tried was Glazed Cobalt. This is a bold mid-toned blue which is gorgeous. I applied a top coat this time which obviously gave me a gloss effect, but kind of made the point of applying a gel-effect nail lacquer a bit pointless. I do however think the formula of these polishes are fantastic. With two coats they are seamless and look very polished indeed. These lasted about four day before any chipping and it wasn't terrible. They chipped more over the following days, but four days wear for a nail lacquer at the price they are is pretty good I think.


Here are the shades Sheen Merlot and Lacquered Violet that I applied today with a top coat. 

Sheen Merlot is a gorgeous colour for winter. It's a deep wine, blood red with a brown base that has a lovely shimmer almost duo-chrome effect that shows up under artificial lights.

Lacquered Violet looks different depending on the lighting. It's a gorgeous shade that sometimes looks more blue or purple.

I would highly recommend these as nail lacquers for the formula alone. The shades I have tried are gorgeous and there are other beautiful ones to check out. If however you are wanting to try these for the gel-effect aspect without a top coat I would say you won't be very happy as the long lasting effect without a top coat for me is not there.

If you have tried at home gel nail lacquers please let me know your experience of them along with the brand. Also please say if you use a top coat or use some sort of drying regime to set the lacquer.

You can pick these up at Boots where they are on 3 for 2 or at Superdrug where they are selling at a reduced price.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Hey lovelies. I have been subscribed to GlossyBox for the past 3 years and thoroughly enjoyed receiving a present in the post to myself every month. So here is my first impression of this month's products.




This has a lightweight cream formula with a gloss finish for a beautiful velvety shine. It can be applied to the cheekbones, browbones, lips, cupids bow or other parts of the skin.

This is a yellow based champagne highlight which I think will be a great staple in my make-up bag. The lid is usually white with the Kryolan logo. This product also comes in 6 other shades.


A softening, nourishing and pampering hand cream.

This has such a pretty design of packaging. I don't want to break the seal on this yet as I have other hand creams open, but I can tell you that it also comes in scents of Mango & Mandarin as well as Vanilla Pistachio.


This is a very neutral pink shade wearable for every day with any outfit at any time of year.


A product to smooth out the hair leaving it supple with added sunscreen protection. Super moisturising for a silky finish adding strength and shine making hair more manageable and lustrous. A weekly thirst quencher to beat dryness. To be used before shampoo. Suitable for all hair textures.

I have previously reviewed this product. Check out that post HERE! I already received this product in my November 2011 GlossyBox and although I do love it GlossyBox is for discovering new products and not having them repeated.


This floral, musky, soft, sensual fragrance is described as capturing the essence of love.

Top note: Bergamot, Rosebud, Neroli.
Heart note: Tuberose, gardenia, jasmin petals
Dry down note: Warm cedar, sandalwood, musks

It is definitely a soft scent perhaps more for daytime. It's very subtle and I think would suit all ages.


A revitalising, hydrating, gentle milk cream to help remove make-up and dirt for radiant, refreshed and softer skin. Apply to dry skin am and pm and gently massage. Rinse well and remove with a cotton pad.

I am currently using another cleanser, but I will try this one out and review it for you.

Let me know in the comments below your favourites in this months box if you are subscribed.

For more information on GlossyBox UK click HERE and for the US GlossyBox click HERE.

Also don't forget to enter my NIVEA giveaway below ↓ 


Love to you all



Vicky xx

WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF BARRY M GOODIES WITH SHOPCADE!


Hey there gorgeous readers. I have a fantastic competition to tell you about that is really quick and simple to enter. Barry M have teamed up with Shopcade to give 4 winners a year's supply of Barry M goodies. This is a fantastic prize that make-up lovers dream about. Plus 20 runners up will receive a Magic Genie Lip Paint.

It takes just minutes to fill out the Summer Beauty Quiz. I have entered and apparently I am a 'Cheeky Chica'. Who knew ;)

Also check out the latest Barry M TV ad below including their hot new Loud Mouth Extreme Liquid Lip Colour Collection as well as the amazing new beach inspired Matte Nail Paints.


Which Barry M Summer Beauty are you? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX: STARS AND STRIPES

Hi beauties and Happy Sunday. How amazing has the weather been? A little erratic I know, but then in the UK that's normal. Today I have my first impressions of this month's American themed 'Stars and Stripes' GlossyBox for you.




This cult American favourite is formulated with natural waxes, mineral pigments and antioxidants, providing moisturising long lasting colour and protection against the sun.

I have the shade Ruby shown in the swatch above. This to me is a real American girl shade. This blue based red is stunning and highly pigmented. It feels very smooth and glided onto my hand beautifully. It appears to be quite moisturising in texture and I think this shade in particular will last quite well, but I of course will need to test this out when I wear it. The quilted packaging design of the lipstick tube really appeals to me. There are 5 other shades within this range which I would love to try.


An oil and fragrance free lightweight, moisturising formula to even out the skin tone, reducing redness and brightening the eyes while keeping eyeshadow crease-free and colour-true for a lasting look.

Apply this creamy formula with the doe foot applicator to the lids and blend with fingers.

It looks very similar to the E.L.F. eyelid primer. It has a skin tone shade that blends away sheer. I am looking forward to seeing how well my eye shadows last when using this product.


Loved by celebrities and make-up artists this staple product is designed to soothe, relieve and moisturise dry, chapped lips.

I have tried this on my lips today. The balm does feel very nourishing and softening. There is a slight tingling from the menthol, but it is not uncomfortable on the lips. I am not overly keen on the scent as I don't really enjoy beeswax products. I don't really like dipping my fingers into products like this either, but I will use it anyway as it does appear on my first application to have a nourishing formula. These are currently on a 3 for 2 offer in the link above.


This is a non-toxic, cruelty free nail polish.

The shade Glossy Seal that I have has been especially formulated for the July GlossyBox so I don't think you will be able to get your hands on it, sorry. However there are some really gorgeous shades within the collection, including some fantastic duo chromes so check out the link above. I have not tried this brand of nail polish before so I hope it applies well and lasts well too.


This is a lightweight daily moisturiser that offers sun protection as well as revitalising, brightening and age-defying benefits. For normal, mature, blemish, oily and combination skin types. Apply to a cleansed face and neck.

This has a seal on it so I won't open it yet. This is another new brand to me so I will let you know how I find this product to work on my skin.

The stand out product for me in this box so far is the lipstick. It's such an impact shade that will instantly make you look like you have put a lot of effort into your make-up whether you have or not.

What were your favourite GlossyBox products this month? Let me know your thoughts on these products if you have used them before also in the comments below.

For more information on the UK GlossyBox click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

SUMMER IS HERE GLOSSYBOX

Hi there sweeties. I am back again today with my first impressions of this month's 'Summer Is Here' GlossyBox.




Apply this as your base and allow to dry before applying your nail colour. Once that has dried use this product again as your top coat.

I hope this product works well as having one product to use instead of two would be a bonus, plus it has strengthening properties.


This lightweight product is designed to give you textured volume along with silky shine.

Rub the product between your palms and work through the lengths of dry hair or for an extra boost use fingertips and work from the roots lifting as you style.

This sounds like the type of product my fella would like, but the pink shade of the product and the jasmine scent which I like may put him off a bit :)

This product is currently reduced to £2.66 at Superdrug in the link above.


To be used to apply powder and cream eye shadows.

This eye make-up brush has a beautiful design. I like the shape and density of the bristles. 


Fruit-floral and fig inspired scents. Cleanse with the shower cream, replenish moisture with the body cream and dab on fragrance for an all over irresistible scent.

I have tried quite a few Roger & Gallet products which I love and this fragrance does not disappoint. It is definitely a fruit-floral scent that is great for summer.


Can be used to cover minor blemishes and imperfections. A lightweight formula ideal for summer. Can also be used as a contouring kit.

Dot over the desired area and blend gently until full coverage is achieved.

I have yet to try this palette on my blemishes or as a contoured look, but on first impressions swatching it on my hand I think it won't give too much coverage. Lightweight products are great for summer, but concealer palettes like this need to have a little more density I feel in order to work well. I will however try it out properly before saying that I don't like it.

I am happy with this month's box, but not ecstatic. I am excited however for next month's limited edition box.

For more information on GlossyBox UK click HERE and for the US GlossyBox click HERE.

Were you excited by your GlossyBox this month? Let me know your favourite products in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

NAILS: PASTEL DUO

Hi there loves. It's been pretty good weather over the Bank Holiday weekend which has been unusual for us Brits so I hope you all have enjoyed it. 

I have a wee NOTD post for you of a duo that I think is perfect for pastel lovers.




I applied one coat of base coat followed by 2 coats of each of these nail shades and finished with a nail drying spray.

Mod About You is a very pale milky pink. It's currently on offer at Amazon for a bargain £6.99.

Pale Purple seems to be now known as Berry Ice Cream so I hope it's the same shade. I have linked to Superdrug above as they currently have a 3 for 2 offer on. This is sold out online, but you will hopefully find it in store.

Let me know your favourite pastel shades in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

HOT CROSS BUN PASTEL SPRING EASTER NAILS

Hello again lovelies. I painted my nails yesterday feeling inspired by spring and Easter time and here they are.


Please excuse this not so in focus photo. Pastel shades always make a comeback at this time of year and so I wanted to include a mixture of them in this manicure. I thought the nude shade would be perfect to use under my hot cross bun stripes which my boyfriend pointed out should be vertical and horizontal, but oh well I think that's just being picky, ha ha. I wanted my nails to have a sprinkle of glitter too for a speckled effect. As these shades were quite milky I applied three coats of each for a dense colour pay off after my base coat. I used a white striper for the hot cross bun stripes and finished off with a nail drying spray.

Products Used:










It looks as though the E.L.F. and StarGazer polishes may have been discontinued, but hopefully you can find them on Ebay or Amazon. Alternatively you can use similar a similar nude and shimmer to recreate this look. The StarGazer striper I purchased a long time ago in a set so I would search online for that too as I think you can also buy them individually.

If you have created any spring time and/or Easter inspired nails please leave links in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

Mother's Day Gift Hamper DIY

Hi there sweeties. Thank goodness for Friday eh? I was racking my brains of what to get my Mum for Mother's Day this Sunday and then I thought why not buy her the little things she loves and do the things for her that she appreciates. 








My Mum does have a sweet tooth so I have included lots of chocolate goodness in this hamper. There are also some flowers for her garden which she likes spending time in. The hair dye she uses is in the hamper also as well as one of my Nails Inc. nail polishes that she loves. There is a card in there too which has slid down at the back.

I am going to make her lunch on Sunday, paint her nails and dye her hair. She has looked after me for many years so she should be pampered on Mother's Day.

I think the box will be great to store things in too. Excuse the cellophane wrapping and sellotape, but I have never used it before so I did my best :)

Card & Bow ~ Card Factory

Cellophane ~ Ryman

Box ~ Store Twenty One

Hair Dye ~ Superdrug

Nails Inc. Polish ~ Gifted from me

All other items ~ Poundland & 99p Store

So what do you think of this hamper idea for Mother's Day? Do you think it's something your Mum would like? Let me know your thoughts and other present ideas in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx
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