May Favourites

left to right: Real Techniques Shading Brush, No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in Truffle, Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze, Maybelline The Falsies Flared Volume Express and Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer

A whole new category has appeared on the blog, and its about time! A monthly favourites post has been lingering in my mind, and now I've finally put pen to paper (or rather hands to laptop) and written one.

May's makeup is somewhat more of a simple one. No messing about within a sea of eyeshadows or array of mascaras- you could even call me speedy when it comes to getting ready! I find that a few well chosen products can really brighten up a look, and switching up my makeup on a monthly basis means its all getting used, and I can try out different things every once in awhile.

Collection 2000's lasting perfection concealer has become somewhat of a cult product in my collection, but it is often used for more than just the conventional use. The perfect dupe for a primer, I find that smoothing this over my lid before a smokey or just neutral eye can increase the longevity.

Ever since the Real Techniques Shading Brush came into my makeup bag, I've found eyeshadow application even easier. I'm not saying I was an expert without it, but I could choose a few colours to sweep over my lid (basic inner corner highlight, neutral on the lid and a dark crease) but now I don't have to worry about packing on the shadow either. It's a perfect brush for base and blending, and the RT brush will be in my bag for quite some time...

My Maybelline Colour Tattoo is a beautiful colour. Pair this bronzy and almost Rose Gold cream shadow with No7's Truffle, and you have the perfect lid. I like to apply a fair amount- not too much, not too little-but I do like to smoke it out for an appropriate occasion. Blended out with my favourite brush and I'm left with a pretty eye with subtle definition.

After hearing the raves of beauty gurus such as Tanya Burr and Missglamorazzi, I finally bought the infamous Maybelline The Falsies Flared Volum' Express. Mouthful, yes, but you should hear the name of the waterproof formula! The big brush is perfect for lash-catching (ever attempted to coat those baby eyelashes and failed? Not with this!)

My favourite Beauty Blogger/ Youtuber of the month has to be Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup- her posts are so well written! I love reading her blog and watching her vids.

My favourite TV Programme of the month has to be Drop Dead Diva, which is a girly feel good show of 4 seasons that I have been catching up on on Netflix. I love it- just the right amount of cheesy-ness and reality! I've also just started watching Covert Affairs, and when I say just I mean Just the first series! One down, one to go. 
I'm obsessed with Doctor Who. Literally, obsessed, and so when the series finale aired, I was on the edge of my seat. And it was amazing! It you haven't seen it then you are seriously missing out!


El
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Empties #1

oh, and err, excuse the hair pin-woops! 

It's that time again when my skincare and beauty saviours start to hit the bucket, and I have to make the hard decision of which to repurchase. I haven't done an empties post before, as really, I don't often encounter them, but since drilling my skincare routine in and using more makeup, I often end up questioning myself about how on earth I could have used up a bottle of something, or why did I finish that so quickly? So what beauty babes and skincare favs I am without now?

I picked up the Colgate MaxWhite One on a whim- nothing new there!- as I feel that having whiter teeth gives you a more 'confident' smile. I didn't use this on a daily basis but in conjunction with another toothpaste as I often misplace the former, so I didn't get the really witness 'amazing' tooth-colour-changing properties! I think this one will be a repurchase though.

These cute Clarins minis from the Daily Energizer range (there's a post on that!) appeared on my skincare shelf after a successful trip to Boots, that included skincare advice from the lady at Clarins. I actually repurchased the Cleansing Gel, but as the other samples lasted me such a long time, I didn't bother buying them. I may do, however, in the future, but at the moment I'm very pleased with my current skincare routine.

Another skincare item is the sample-sized eye cream from Benefit - starting to spot a theme are we? The It's Potent! cream was another product that lasted me a long time, but I won't be buying the big sister to this mini as I still haven't fully used it up. Okay, it's not quite empty...

I couldn't believe it when I ran out of my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer! It seems like I only bought it yesterday. It's not strictly finished, but certainly on it's last legs, and this will definitely be repurchased!

The Boots' Own Eye Makeup Remover is one of those things that every girl needs- a box standard gel that I've mentioned in other posts. It isn't the best eye makeup remover ever, but it's good to have around if you're not too great at liner or bad at blusher...

El
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Beauty Wishlist #1

Although I do love makeup, I (unfortunately!) cannot spend all of me money on it-*sighs*. But there is a solution! The beauty wishlist...

The Clarins Eye Makeup Remover has been mentioned a couple of times on the blog. I first go a small sample for Christmas, which I used very generously (and therefore ran out fairly quickly-oops!). After hearing Alix from I Covet Thee and Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup talk about it, I remembered my love for it, but for £18, I don't think I can buy it when there are so many cheaper-admittedly not as good!- alternatives.  

Another recommendation from Anna of VDM, the Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint Minis (£15 for 4 diddy ones) are a more recent addition to the list. However, as they would be an online buy from Cult Beauty, getting the right shade match would be a toughie. I do love a good Tinted Moisturizer though!

Sticking with the low-coverage base theme, Dr Jart's Water Fuse BB Cream is an interesting one. Unlike other products of the same family, this only comes in a 'one shade fits all' option, and as my Boots doesn't stock it, it won't be in my shopping basket any time soon.

Nail Polish had been on my radar recently, so when these babies from Illamasqua first came out, I was all for the Speckled Nail Polish look. Supposedly limited edition, I better get my hands on one soon, but for nearly £15, is it worth it for one nail polish?

I often find that my lips are dry or flakey, and I don't really have any good lip balms. The Korres Lip Butters first caught my attention whilst browsing the Feel Unique website, and at £8, I think I can spare the cash.


Another much-raved about product (thanks again Anna!) is the L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara. Again, not stocked in Boots, but fairly affordable, I think I'll have to hunt this one down!

Believe it or not, I don't own any Mac products. None, not a single eyeshadow, lipstick or anything else. But I've often heard Tanya Burr talk about the Coffee and Teddy eye pencils, both a brown colour. I think that lighter alternative to black liner really soften a look, but as my nearest Mac is quite far away, I may have to wait awhile for this one.

And last, but certainly not least, Estee Lauder's Stay On Shadow Paints. I don't really have a preference in colour, but I have seen a gorgeous pinky one that I unfortunately don't know the name of! However, they are nearer to 20 pounds than to a price I'm willing to pay.

New Additions

I am fairly sure that since my budget for makeup has increased (slightly) I've gone really crazy for cosmetics. Really crazy. Not all of these are strictly 'new additions' but they are mainly products that have been purchased fairly recently, give or take a few months or so. And by using the help of Polyvore, I've managed to put them in picture form. Snazzy, I know.

1//Benefit's Badgal in Plum seems to have re-entered my life 2//The much raved about Real Techniques Brush(es) have joined the cosmetics crew 3//Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Flared Mascara- and breathe- was sneakily picked up whilst doing the weekly food shop. Good ol' Sainsburys! 4//Primers aren't my priority but when I tried this little baby I couldn't resist- Benefit the POREfessional 5//I've jumped on the bandwagon to pick up another cream shadow in the form of a Maybelline Colour Tattoo 6//Benefit's multitasking Posietint cheek and lip colour is gorg!

Hope you liked this kind of post- I may do something similar with Instagrammed photos!

El
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Cream Products - The Trend

left to right: the POREfessional, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, Barry M Kohl Pencil ,  Maybelline Colour Tattoo (looks more silvery here but is bronze in true form), Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows in Birthday Suit and My Two Cents, Benefit Posietint

If there's one outstanding trend for this Spring/Summer Season then it has to be cream products. Whether it's a creamy concealer, eyeshadow or blush, this trend is all about banishing the powders and embracing natural dewy skin. Not only do creamy products blend really well and stay on all day, but they also speed up morning-makeup-time!

For a smooth flawless base, Benefit's the POREfessional Primer is the first step. Being a bare-faced babe, primers aren't really up my street, but after trying a sample of this, I can tell that just by smoothing out my skin a little (just a little though) it enhances my complexion. And being a creamy product, it's perfect for brush or hand application.

Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection Concealer is a product spoken about by me and practically every other beauty blogger, and with a creamy texture that can be easily blended under eyes or on stubborn spots, it definitely falls into this season's trend category. I'm fairly sure that this is the cheapest good concealer out there, and to find a product that costs less than a fiver and works is a miracle in itself!

I have to admit that I've really fallen for this luscious look, and eyeshadows of a slightly different texture to the norm are becoming a staple in my everyday routine. Benefit's Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows in My Two Cents and Birthday Suit   are prime examples of creamy shadows. The former is a beautiful coppery colour, hence the name, and the latter a more silvery-taupe tint. The great thing about them is that they can be blended in to create a subtle smokey eye, or packed on and set with a powder for an intense look.

At the more affordable end of the scale we have the Maybelline Colour Tattoo. Being one of the most mentioned and most used product, it's obvious I love 'em, and the same beautiful eye can be created with these as with the Benefit ones for £10 cheaper. No brainer! 

A three pound whim. I buy most of my products by 'wingin' it' unless I've read a persuasive post on a particular product, but my Barry M Kohl Liner  has to be one of my more successful discoveries. By blending these into the lid with a finger, they give a sheer wash of colour that can be built up, and they're perfect for shadow-phobs and the less confident cream lovers.

Now for a slightly different item. Still from the creamy clan, Benefit's Posietint is a more-liquidy tint for cheeks and lips. The pinky colour suits all skin tones and can be easily blended into cheeks for a subtle hint of colour.

El
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Tools Of The Trade

An artist has their brushes, and so do I! Makeup brushes are a must-have for cosmetics cravers, and I'm certainly no exception. Although my 'collection' of tools is small (and still growing) I do use them all for different reasons.

Although eyeliner isn't really my area, I've still managed to acquire a brush for it! This multitasking brush from 17 can be used for shadow, gel or liquid liner as well as a brow tool. Tap into a cool brown eyeshadow or brow powder and brush through unruly arches for quick and easy definition.

This brush has to be my favourite. After I finally purchased the infamous Real Techniques Shading Brush, there was no going back. Ideal for cream or powder eyeshadows, I like to use this brush to apply a base product and then for blending out harsh lines and edges.

A cheapo-brush is one usually found in most gals collections- often unused or dirty, I found myself reaching less and less for my Boots' own synthetic shadow brush. It doesn't pack a lot of colour, but I've slowly discovered that it's perfect for concealer. Bigger than the rest of my brushes, it blends as it goes, and leaves my under-eyes or pimple points in a slightly smoother state.

I think this one was once my Mum's, just another Boots brand brush, but a jolly good one all the same. The shape and size of this small and skinny brush means that it just fits in to the crease of my eye- perfect for a smokey socket. Paired with a bronzy shadow, this brush blends up a storm.

Last, but not least, the sister to the 17 angled brush. This one is flatter- better for applying cream shadows as opposed to  blending or liner-work. Dip this in a pot of a champagne base colour and you're good to go.

El
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The Perfect Pair

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze, No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in Truffle

 Ever since I purchased the popular cream eyeshadow, my Maybelline Colour Tattoo has been a go-to product. No mess, no fuss- just a quick smooth-over-the-lid and you're done. So finding a powder eyeshadow of the same/similar colour that could be used to set in it place was quite a challenge, until I came across this baby.

No7 has never really been a brand of interest to me. Yes, I'd pass the counters in Boots, perhaps take a little look, but then dismiss the product, mainly because of the price, forgetting that I had all those money-off vouchers stored away. I have a small, mainly pharmaceutical Boots on my high street that houses a small No7 stand, so after finally getting my Boots Advantage Card, I thought I'd have a look...

One particular eyeshadow caught my eye, and for one particular reason- it's likeness to the infamous Colour Tattoo. I swatched it and a 'hmm...not bad' expression appeared. And with the vouchers, it was less than a fiver. Good spot I think! 

El
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Mini Shopping Trip to Boots...

As I was down on eye makeup remover, a trip to Boots was in due, which meant that I came home with a small bag of goodies! I didn't go crazy however, and only bought 3 things, but I thought I should show you them all the same.

left to right: Real Techniques Shading Brush, L'oreal Eyeshadow, Boots Eye-makeup Remover

My first purchase was what brought me to Boots in the first place! As eye makeup is the main feature in my everyday makeup look, I needed to buy something to remove it! As mentioned in an earlier post, I like Boots own gel one. It is very inexpensive, and is very good considering the price (£1.50).

Being the eyeshadow lover that I am, I figured it would be time to get a proper eyeshadow brush! Sam Chapman (from Pixiwoo) has a line of brushes, so I thought I'd pick up one of her highly praised Real Techniques brushes. I bought the shading brush, as all of the other eye ones are in a set, and for £8, I think it was worth it! I'm definitely interested in having a look at the other brushes in the range...

And in the spur of the moment, I picked up another whim product. L'Oreal eyeshadows (or any other product really!) have never caught my eye, but when I saw this little baby-165 Golden Rose- I couldn't resist picking it up. Do I really need any more eyeshadows?! At £6, I think it is fairly affordable.

This month's spendings have definitely stocked me up on eye products!

El
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Pick-Me-Up Pamper Evening!

If I'm feeling down or just a little tired, a soak in a warm bath and a relaxing face mask is always a nice experience. Especially at the end of a long hard week, a pamper evening can be a real pick-me-up.

First I like to set the scene with some candles, surrounding the tub. At the same time, I'll be filling up the bath and adding in Soap & Glory's Foam Call for the bubble factor. Then off goes my make up with the Boots Eye Make up remover followed by a face wash to cleanse my skin. With a tub of Body Cream positioned next to the bath along with a couple of neatly folded towels, I'll tie my hair up and relax in the hot steamy water.

A book, magazine or even my phone will usually accompany me during my soak, as I find the bath tub can be a peaceful place to read or watch telly. At this stage I will either wash my hair with Aussie's Shine Shampoo or Mega Instant Conditioner of the same brand, or get out of the bath and wrap myself in a dressing gown.

My Aussie products sit on my hair and skincare shelf along with other beauty favs

Once out of the tub, a face mask is due, Boots' 3 Minute Clay Mask in this case. I really like to massage this in and take my time, because a pamper is supposed to be a long, lovely experience. Whilst the mask is working its magic, Essie's In Stitches polish makes an appearance and my bathroom (or bedroom if I've moved out of my bath's home) will become my nail salon for the night. By the time a couple of coats have dried, my clay mask is ready to go with a splash of warm water followed by a wash with my Clarins cleanser. Then I like to follow up with a moisturizer, pop on my PJs and retire to my bedroom for an episode or two of something on Netflix!

Essie In Stitches

Monday Moisturizers

As I am now posting more frequently, I thought now would be a good time to delve into the world of skincare products. From cleansers to lotions and creams to masks, the skincare category has it all. As my routine is pretty simple, I don't use many products, but apart from the traditional face wash, moisturizers are something that I use, and seem to have a few of...

left to right: Benefit Total Moisture, Simple Kind To Skin Light Moisturizer, Soap & Glory For Daily Youth

My favourite out of the hydrating trio has to be Benefit's Total Moisture. I have, sadly, finished up my little sample pot and am contemplating whether or not to buy the bigger tub for twenty quid (possibly not when there are alternatives for half the price!). The thing that really draws me to this moisturizer besides the pretty packaging is the smell. Understandably, not everyone likes scented products, because if it doesn't smell good, the user may also end up with the not-so-pleasant scent. But Benefit have really wowed me and my nose with the smell of this- it's so nice! The scent is one of a fresh and creamy nature, which pretty much sums up the moisturizer itself. It has a creamy texture and sinks into the skin really nicely.

A tub isn't the easiest or cleanest thing to store a face product in, so for all you hygienic lovers I recommend Soap & Glory's For Daily Youth. The pump makes it easy to apply just the right amount, and the pinky tint gives any dull face a glowy finish. I have been known to mix a pump of this with some of my concealer to make a tinted moisturizer. Sleek and compact, this is a good carry-around product as it isn't too huge for handbags.

For all you jet-setters, Simple Kind To Skin Light Moisturizer may be the answer. I picked up the travel size of this, and although the screw top lid isn't ideal, is it great for taking on planes and in car journeys. As it keeps working for 12 hours, you won't have to worry about dehydrated skin in hot or humid weather. At first the texture may look quite thick, but once applied to the skin, it soons thins out. Note: less is more with this one.

That's my moisturizer round up complete! All the ones that I have chosen are fairly affordable (bar the Benefit one) and all are great for different skin types.

El
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Less is More- Minimal Make Up

As not everyone gets up at the crack of dawn, goes for a morning stroll and is washed, dressed and fed by 7am, including a proper yet quick and easy make up routine isn't always simple. I for one have been known to skip steps in my skincare script and just used a cleansing water (such as Clarins Energizer Wake Up Booster) spritzed across a cotton pad and then briefly wiped across my face. Or rushed into my room to put on a quick coat of mascara before the school run to open up my eyes a little- everyone comprises in some aspect of their beauty regime! So how can busy mums or city working gals get a record look in record time?

left to right: Soap & Glory For Daily Youth, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow and Benefit Posietint 

Mixing your moisturizer and concealer is a real time saver; although it doesn't give much coverage, it brightens up your face. If you have the luxury of a couple more minutes, applying your foundation with fingers  instead of a brush also works. Apply a moisturizer prior to this to help your BB Cream or foundation blend into the skin.

For a five-minute face, buff in a cream eyeshadow over the lids with your ring finger- this is quick and simple. Seal it in with a powder shadow if possible (again applied with hands- no brush, less fuss!) and whack on a coat or two of mascara. Use a nude/white eyeliner in your bottom waterline to cancel out any redness, and then apply a creamy concealer to hide any bags. Using creamy products is best as they blend very easily.

Dip a finger in some cream blush and sweep over the cheeks and swiftly brush a bit of colour over you face with a bronzer if need be. Pop on a slick of lip balm, followed by some cream blusher or other multitasking product, and you're good to go! Tie up you hair in a rough pony or bun, grab your bag and skip out the door. Easy!

Just remember to start with a clean face and clean hands, and only use products that you really need. Setting out your make up and clothes the night before is another time saving tip- being organized is fairly underrated these days!

El
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Boots Skincare?

I love Benefit and Clarins skincare products, but when I'm a little down on dosh, Boots' own skincare brand has often caught my eye. What started out as a one-pound whim has now developed into a bit of a collection!

Walking around Boots with only a few quid in your pocket is never a good thing as, quite frankly, there's usually nothing under the £3 mark. I needed a cheap but fairly effective eye make-up remover and this was the first one I spotted. Nothing special, just a box-standard gel to take off your eye make-up, but that's kinda why I like it. It's basic- no ridiculous packaging or a fun name. And for just under £2, I wasn't going to be out of pocket if I bought it. So that's what I did. It's not brilliant, nothing really compared to the Clarins Eye Make-Up Remover that I had been stealing from my Mum's bathroom (that stuff is amazing, but much more expensive than the Boots' own one!) but it gets the job done! Admittedly, you do have to rub at your eyes a little, gently though, but I do find that it takes the bulk of my eyeshadow and mascara off. And yes, I think I will be buying this again!

To be honest, I don't even really remember picking up this product or the reason behind it- it was probably just another 'I'm broke!' buy. This exfoliating face scrub is from the Tea Tree and Witch Hazel range, and if you can get past the slightly overwhelming smell, is quite nice. Again, its another stripped back product, a simple but good face scrub. I try to use this 1-2 times a week, and really like it!

Everyone loves a good old face mask, and I particularly like mud or clay ones. I tend to stick to the one application sachet, especially if I'm trying something new, but this 3 minute Clay Mask caught my eye. And at £2, its not really breaking the bank. 

I think that Boots' own brand(s) are often underrated. People dismiss shops own brands in favour for more expensive and supposedly better quality products. Don't forget that brands such as No7 which isn't exactly cheap, and 17 Cosmetics are both owned by Boots, so next time you're in there, take a look and see what you think!

El

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Budget Buys

left to right: Soap & Glory Lid Stuff in What's Nude, Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze, Barry M Kohl Pencils in Bronze and White, Collection [2000] Lasting Perfection Concealer

As much as I do love to splash out on cute products from the much adored brand Benefit, drugstore and highstreet brands are something that I love buying, and I think my purse appreciates it too.

Soap & Glory is a brand more commonly known for their amazing skincare and bath and body products, so I was all for trying out a piece or two from their cosmetics line. I picked up Lid Stuff in What's Nude, a palette of mainly mattes with one brown-purple shimmer. Colour pay-off isn't great, and at a tenner I probably won't buy it again, but it is fab for a subtle hint of colour-you won't be worrying about garish looking eyes with this as even the slightly more whacky colours don't come out overly bright.

After hearing many a rave and review, I just had to try the infamous Maybelline Colour Tattoos and jump on the ever-growing bandwagon of popular products. And I wasn't disappointed. In comparison to other cream eyeshadows that I have tried, I would say that it's just as good as the high end ones and even without the premium price tag, there's no compromise on quality.

Barry M is one of the cheaper brands in Boots that I tend to veer towards when out of pocket. Having heard neither a good nor bad thing about the kohl pencil liners, I picked them up for a couple of quid each. They can be easily blended into the lashes, however in the waterline they don't fare quite so well- lasting power isn't covered by the small cost of them. I do love them though, and at such a little amount of money, another one wouldn't go amiss in my make-up bag.

I love a good trip down to Boots, so I'll be keeping my eyes open for any other budget buys!

El
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Pocket-Sized Pals

If I'm on the go or travelling, pocket-sized make up products are a must have. Over the past few months, I've developed a bit of a collection of Baby Benefit products that can be easily slipped into a pocket or thrown in a purse, because, not many people want to be carrying around massive eyeshadow palettes or full size bottles of things!

Benefit is one of my favourite make up brands, no points for getting that right! The main thing that draws me in is the pretty packaging, and the smaller samples sizes make it all the cuter.

As I don't wear any foundation, a primer certainly wasn't at the top of my list, but after trying out a sample size of Benefit's silky smooth pore-reducing balm, I realized that an extra layer of coverage wasn't needed. The POREfessional, apart from having gorgeous packaging, just evens out my skintone a little. With less coverage than even a tinted moisturizer, it doesn't cover up anything, but mattifies any oily patches.

After hearing them being raved about, I was thinking about fully embracing the up and coming cream eyeshadow trend. At the same time, I had just bought Benefit's Most Glamorous Nudes Ever, which fortunately came with two of their best-selling cream shadows. The perfect size for dipping in a finger or a brush, the creamy little things are easy to apply and blend with other products.

When travelling, multitasking products can be a life saver. No searching in your purse or bag in the hope that there's a blush or lipstick- just pull this baby out your pocket and you're good to go! Posietint is great for this, as I can whip it out wherever I am and simply dab a little of the rosy liquid on my cheeks and lips for an instant glow.

Sample-sized mascaras are becoming somewhat of a cult favourite in my beauty bag; first Benefit's They're Real and now BADgal Lash Mascara. I prefer my lashes to look full and feathery rather to resemble spiders legs which is why I prefer the latter of the two products. There's no compromise on brush size or formula, and this BADgal ain't moving from my make up bag.

I love all of these cute little products, and having mini versions of things are great for touching up your make up!

El
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Nails- New Essie Polish

I've always loved the look of perfectly polished nails that are beautifully painted, but I've often found that painting my own nails turns out to be more of a stressful task rather than a relaxing one! So, I decided that it was time for me to invest in a proper nail polish and trekked around Boots to find the perfect one. In the past, I have usually stuck in the £3-5 range, as there's no point buying an expensive varnish it if isn't right, but when I saw this little lovely from Essie, I just couldn't resist...

The brush is great for applying a thin layer of polish

 I bought the colour In Stitches, which is a lovely muted pinky-brown colour, and I love it! The brush is quite big and flat, which means it only takes a few strokes to coat the whole nail. The formula is opaque, and I only needed 1-2 coats to get a good colour. It translates pretty much the same from the bottle to the nails, but the more coats you add the darker it gets. It doesn't take very long to dry at all, and isn't thick or lumpy.

Now, as you can probably tell, I'm not very good at painting my nails, but even I found it pretty easy to use this polish! I would definitely recommend Essie polishes, and this colour in particular, as it is good for the transitions between seasons. This colour can be worn all year round- in Winter, you could paint your nails a darker colour first and add this on top or paint 3-4 coats of it on its own, in Spring, you could use 2 coats, in Summer, you could use one sheer coat or use a lighter colour on top or underneath, and in autumn, you could wear it with a darker polish on alternate fingers!

Because I had spent more than I usually would on the Essie polish (£8 is rather steep for a nail colour!) I thought I'd buy a cheaper top coat. I spotted this Collection Lasting Colour Top Coat for just under £3, and it is very glossy and shiny! The only problem is it does take forever to dry... It does have a great brush though.

Worn over the Essie polish, it leaves a shiny finish

I definitely think I'll be buying more Essie polishes in the future, and I'll also be looking out for more collection ones! Do you own any Essie or Collection nail varnishes?

El
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