I found myself in Boots again yesterday, this time to pick some normal items such as shampoo etc; but stumbled across the Barry M counter and saw some new offerings since I'd last been.

I was instantly drawn to the rose gold packaging and the concept: gel nails without the UV lamp. The shade selection isn't my favourite so I picked up an easy nude shade in 'Like A Nude' which is then paired with the 'Daylight Curing' topcoat. The shades are all bright summer shades - where as I prefer my pastels right now, the only other shade I was interested in was a coral pink.
The polish took about four thin coats to get a nice opaque finish. I've heard other colours are around two coats.

From what I understand the shade colour adheres to your nail like a gel polish, and then the top coat uses everyday UV lights in the daylight and artificial lighting to 'cure'/dry like a gel polish. I haven't tried the top coat with nail varnishes not from this range, so I will experiment and report back!

The finish is super glossy and professional looking. They're hard as nails and yet they come off with regular nail polish remover.

My left hand has survived a whole day without chipping and looks just as perfect and chip free as it did yesterday. My right hand looks a bit worse for wear....but my left side was more carefully applied and this shows in the end result. My job is incredibly hands on, so this is to be expected; I don't think even professionally done nails would withstand my work place.

I really like this idea and will be purchasing the coral pink soon to test that out and experimenting with other polishes to see if the same effect happens.

For £4.99 I think it's a really affordable way to get professional looking nails that will last - (as long as you don't have a hand destroying job like mine!)

Have you tried these nail varnishes yet?

Spring is finally here! The weathers still a bit wet, but on the whole its looking up!

With this change in weather comes a change of products too.

First I start with my Stila one step color correct serum, as this evens out my complexion and illuminates my skin slightly giving my make up a good base to start. This gets rid of any redness I may have.

I haven't been using foundation much as I don't find I need to after using the Stila serum, so I go straight to cheeks, I've been loving the color 'Seductive Pink' by Maxfactor in their creme puff range and Bourjois blush in amber rose. I've been applying these colors to the apples of my cheeks with my Duo Fiber powder brush by Real Techniques. Both blushers are heavily pigmented and I find this to be the perfect brush to lightly add a dash of pink, 

The make up looks really fresh and pretty and I also like to layer both blushers to add some depth to the look.

I've also been enjoying the Maybelline Brow Drama sculpting mascara to add some colour and definition to my brows to make them look slightly bolder, and less haywire,

I then finish off the look with a Maybelline color drama lipstick pencil in the color Fuschia Pink. This is such a bright, colorful pink that it really draws them out. I love the color and the finish of these lipsticks and they're so easy to apply!

I've been loving my Salvatore Ferragamo 'Signorina' perfume. This is a grown up, floral scent with some sweet notes of panacotta and pink pepper to lift it up. Its a really light, refreshing scent which reminds me of my birthday month - May.

What have you been wearing this week to celebrate Spring with?

I recently did a post all about Soap and Glory's make up range. But I thought these mascaras needed their own review as they're all so different. They're all priced between £9 and £10.50. So slightly pricier than your average drug store mascara which are usually priced around the £7 mark. 

Thick and Fast 'Super Volume' Mascara

First up is the original Thick and Fast mascara in black packaging. It states that its a 'Super volume mascara.' This mascara has the largest brush of the three and a slightly dryer formula than the others.

My lashes are naturally very straight and not the longest in the world! (My boyfriend has longer eyelashes than me!) So I have to curl my lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara anyway or else I end up with thicker straight lashes! 

This formula holds a curl well and is the most volume enhancing of the three.

Thick and Fast 'High Definition Collagen
Coat Mascara

 Next is the Thick and Fast 'High definition collagen-coat' mascara i nthe gold packaging (which feels heavy and luxurious!)

This one has an odd paint smell to it...but it doesn't linger...I'm guessing its the collagen maybe?

This ones want has two sides. One side is really small and fine, whilst the other side has two longer edges to almost grip the lashes? I can't explain it, But this formula is quite messy and wet to apply, but is super lengthening! The formula is quite clumpy if you use too much, but one light coat is more than enough! This holds a curl even better than the last one, it's just slightly harder to apply.

Thick and Fast 'Flash Extensions
Effect Mascara'

Lastly in the silver packaging is Thick and Fast 'Flash Extensions Effect' Mascara. This wand is super thin and precise and is the easiest to apply. As you can see from the photo it's very separating and quite lengthening and almost gives a fluttery look to the lashes which I prefer and generally holds a curl really well.

My personal favourite is the 'Flash Extensions Effect' Mascara as it looks naturally enhances my lashes and makes them look 100x better than normal! For a night out when I want a little more volume I normally opt for the 'High Definition Collagen-Coat' Mascara. As it shows up great on photos and really adds some depth to the eyes.

So there you have it! I hope you've found this helpful if you were in the market for a new mascara. Have you tried any of these mascaras? Or do you prefer another brands mascara range?

This weeks most used products are much more make up based!

Lets start with the base I've been using. This is Soap and Glory's 'Hocus Focus.' This is a highlight/primer product that gives a beautiful luminosity to the skin. 

It also perfects the skin by blurring out any imperfections and evens out my skin tone.

I'd say this is comparative to Benefits Girl meets Pearl, and Nars Copacabana Illuminator.

Sometimes I use this on it's own, or with my foundation to add a little light to the skin.

Next up is a new purchase. Its the Maybelline Color Tattoo in 'on and on bronze.' I've seen this mentioned on the internet countless times in favourite videos and make up tutorials and never bit the bullet to get it (even though its less that a fiver.)

I've been using this as a base before I apply any other eye-shadow, or wear it on its own all over the lid to add a bit a colour.

I either apply with my finger or with a brush depending on my mood. I'm in LOVE with this product and can't believe I didn't pick it up sooner.

Next up is my Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette. I've been loving the colours 'Buck' which is a gorgeous natural matte brown; perfect for the defining the crease. Then I either like to add 'Smog' or 'Darkhorse' for a little added colour and shimmer.

Another recent purchase is the Maybelline 'The Falsies' Mascara. This is such a good drug store mascara with a good wand and a really good formula. It makes my lashes look fuller and longer and holds a decent curl!

The only problem with this mascara is how wet the formula is. I always find that its transferred onto my eyelid somehow...no matter how careful I am.

And Last but not Least is the Benefit 'Coralista' Blush which is a beautiful coral blush with a gorgeous sheen to add a slight highlight to the cheeks.

I really want to experiment more with my Naked Palette, do you have any favourite colours or would you like to see a blog post on different looks?

I'll admit it.

I caved. 

Benefit packaging and their gorgeous selection of products were just shouting at me to purchase them. 

I've brought a few of their mini beauty kits before to try a few items from their range, so knew I would enjoy their products,

Lets start with 'That Gal' Brightening Face Primer. This dewy primer (which smells like raspberries) has a pink tone to it so that when applied to the face it appears to even things out and gives a nice fresh glow to the skin. It isn't drying and I like to wear this alone on non make up days, or mixed in with my foundation to add a bit of brightness.

The packaging is in a tube with a twist at the bottom, so that the product comes out in a reasonable quantity through an almost sponge like top. It's incredibly easy to use. I first tried the sample size which came in a small tube with a few other products; and it lasted me ages, So I know this will too.

Secondly I have the 'Coralista' Box Blush. This is a gorgeous coral blush with a small amount of shimmer to it so it create the look of a highlight when on the cheeks. It gives the cheeks a natural glow and also adding a small amount of tan due to the deep coral colour. On paler skin tones this could almost be used as a contour colour.

I'm contemplating adding 'Rocketeur' and 'Dallas' to my collection....but I may need to save up some boots points'!

Lastly I have the 'Fine One One' cream blush. Inside the twist up packaging are three colours stacked against each other. A gorgeous champagne highlight. A poppy pink shade and a coral. When swiped across the cheek - with the highlight placed along the cheek bone. you simply swirl upwards with a brush or fingers for a gorgeous creamy blush look that looks complex, yet took 5 seconds.

I don't use this product enough, and I really should because it's beautiful. (And look at that rose gold packaging!)

Do you have any recommendations from Benefit? What's your favourite product?