Ravishing Reds

Nail Polish seems to be my new obsession - for now - and although it's often thought of as a Christmassy Colour, I love to wear red all year round. The polishes on my tips today all fall into this category, so here's the low-down.

Collection's red-toned wonder is more of a sparkly shade, check out the pinkie for further reference, and is what most people imagine being worn on the nails during the winter season. It has a very fine 'glitter' type iridescence running through it, but paired with a more classic colour can be sported all year round. The only annoying thing is it's unnamed. Darn. 

This next one is definitely a favourite! Nails Inc is one of those brands that I've usually just dismissed because of the price, but when the shade 'It's Red, Babez,' was given as a freebie in June's InStyle mag, I was sold. It's more of a tomato red than a straight-up pillar box, and I'm really into orangey shades.

A similar shade to the former mentioned colour, Hip Hop from Rimmel's new Kate Moss Salon Pro Range is of a similar hue but with more pinky-orange tones. The formula, colour and brush is amazing, and at just over four quid, you can't go wrong.

The next polish to grace my fingertips is actually my sister's, whoops, and is another nameless shade. But negatives aside, this classic red from No7 is more of a traditional red with a darker tone to it. Probably better for later on in the year, but equally good if worn in conjunction with a lighter shade. Love it!

And last, but not least, another Rimmel one, in the colour Double Decker Red. Honestly the best and well-fitting name for this polish, as this is the closest true red colour that I've found so far! It's as cheap as chips and a perfect all year round polish. Another stunner from Rimmel, the nail polish queens at the moment...

El
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Rimmel Kate Moss Salon Pro Nail Polishes

After reading post after post after post on the latest Boots bargain, you know what I'm like - can't say no, I popped down to said shop and picked up the latest Rimmel rave- the Kate Moss Salon Pro Polishes. A rather catchy name if I do say so myself. The most common problem with cheaper nail enamels, or at least for me is firstly the skinny little brushes (please, the fat ones work best!) and the fact that the colour ranges can often be lacking a bit of, well, colour, but these are an exception to my unwritten rule. With an applicator similar to those of an Essie polish (finally!) and amazing colours, I was drawn in. Darn. And of course, very conveniently there was a 3 for 2 on. Bargain! 

This was another Anna from VDM inspired purchase. After quizzing her on Instagram as to which shade was featured in a pic, I was sold on Hip Hop, a tomato red, with more of an orangey twist on the classic shade. Perfect for spring and summer, this one was the first in the basket.

Peppermint seems to be the twin to Hip Hop, not in colour but equal in the popularity poll. Mentioned by Alix from I Covet Thee and Anna, I knew that this one was a winner. A minty green was missing from my collection, and with such a self-explanatory name, this one's a gooden'.

The last polish (bought on the 3 for 2 whim) was Navy Seal, a greyish blue colour. Not the most 'springy' colour, but definitely one that will be frequently on my nails later on in the year. Although it appears more of a vibrant blue in the photo, it almost has a purple tone to it, and I love it!

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.