Review: A Gel Effect Mani with Layla

Calling out to the beauties who love a long lasting manicure feast your eyes on this Gel Effect nail polish*, that you can do in the comfort of your own home. 

Gel Effect nail polish

Now as you know I’m a sucker for nail lacquers so when I came across this I was keen to try it out. This polish has a semi-permanent gel that promises to leave your manicure scratch and chip free which every girl prays for when they get their nails done.

Coral Red

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this polish as it certainly delivers, it has a beautiful silky smooth texture when applying and you can get away with just one coat if you wish. It almost adds thickness to your nail giving the illusion of healthy looking nails. It’s the first polish that dries almost instantly which is very hard to find in a good polish. As it looks like we still have a few sunny days I went for this stunning Coral Red colour.

Even before adding my top coat I was left with a high-shine finish without the hustle and bustle of sitting in a jam packed nail salon waiting for a UV lamp.

Orly Top coat

Perfect manicure

Just to be extra and add even more gloss to my manicure, I finished off with a glossy top coat* to give my salon style manicure its finishing touch.



Check out Layla and Orly collection here

Must have beauty Tools!!

Hey Beauts!! One thing I truly believe in when it comes to your beauty tools is invest in quality and don’t base your decision on the price. Just remember that if you have good quality tools they will last longer and if they do carry a hefty price tag, I’m sure you will guard it with your life.

Here are a few of my beauty tools I rely on.

My beauty tools

Tweezerman WideGrip Tweezers

Tweezerman Tweezers

These are by far the best Tweezers I’ve ever had! Whether it be plucking out a few stray hairs or re-shaping my eyebrows these are a god send. I’ve had these Tweezers for over 8 years and not once have I needed to get them sharpened and they still have a great pinch on them. I say everyone needs one of these.

Shu uemura Eyelash curler

Shu Uemura eye lash curler

These eye lash curlers help me to lift my tiny lashes; they’re great when I want to open up my eyes. They definitely help just before I apply my mascara when I’m trying to create the illusion that I have longer lashes.

Make-up Brushes

When applying my make-up to help me achieve a flawless application I enlist the help of the following:

Make - up Brushes

I use this Jemma Kidd Stippling brush to smooth over any remaining line once I've applied my tinted moisturiser. I got this brush years ago and i'm not sure if its still around similar here

Jemma Kidd Stippling Brush (similar here)

Jemma Kidd Stippling brush

Shu Uemura Natural Brush

Shu Uemura - Brush

To apply my bronzer I use Shu Uemura’s natural brush. I adore this brush with its Goat bristles as it applies the bronzer beautifully and feels so soft on your skin.

Mac Large Angled Contouring brush

Mac - Brush

When applying my blusher or if I’m contouring I use Mac’s large angled conture brush to create the look I want. 

Bobbi Brown Face blending brush

Bobbi Brown - Brush

As I've previously stated this Bobbi Brown face blender brush is perfect when applying my shimmer brick and highlighting certain areas of my face.

Review: Achieving the perfect Manicure with China Glaze

Even though winter hasn't arrived yet I decided to coat my nails in this dark shade. This in one of my favourite colours for my nails and I tend to wear it a lot through the winter, however on the odd occasion during the summer days this colour will make an appearance.

China Glaze nail lacquers

China Glaze nail lacquers

Nowadays so many brands have this exact shade, and I normally go for the Chanel’s “Rouge Noir” but that’s got a hefty price tag on it. I recently came across China Glaze that a similar shade called “Prey Tell”, which doesn't leave a hole in your pocket.

China Glaze - Prey Tell

Prey Tell

If you want to add chic-ness to your nails this is the colour for you, it’s not vibrant and in your face but a colour that will get you noticed.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by China Glaze’s nail lacquer, not only does the polish glide on nicely, it has a beautiful gloss. I haven’t touched this polish for months and it hasn't become gloopy like other nail lacquers, as it still glides on like the first day I used it.

If applied well this nail polish does last and does not chip easily. To keep my manicure looking fresh I use China Glaze’s “First &Last” for a base coat and a top coat. Everytime I feel like my manicure is looking dull I just add a coat of “First & Last” and it instantly freshens up my manicure.

You can find China Glaze on Beauty Bay, starting From £6.95

My Bobbi Brown addiction!!

Hands down BobbiBrown have to be one of my favourite make-up brands. I love that they are known for enhancing and emphasising a woman’s natural beauty, which is the look I tend to go for hence why my make-up bag mostly consist of Bobbi Brown products.

Bobbi Brown Addiction

I recently bought this Bronzing powder in the “Golden Light” colour. I use this bronzer for my daily make-up regime as it gives my oily skin a beautiful soft silky matte finish. If I fancy a more tanned look, this bronzer gives me no problems when building it up to my desired colour.

I apply the bronzer with this amazing Bobbi Brown bronzer brush, I believe it is important to invest in good quality make-up brushes to achieve the flawless look.

Bronzing Powder - Golden Light

Bronzer Brush

This BobbiBrown shimmer brick has been a staple in make-up bag for many years, I can’t live without it. I have bought almost every colour it comes in. I use the shimmer brick as a highlighter when I want to enhance my cheekbones it gives me that instant glow. It also doubles as an eye shadow.

Here I have the "Bronze" shimmer brick for a natural golden glow.

Bronze shimmer brick

I apply the shimmer brick with the Bobbi Brown Face blender brush, the bristles feels so soft and luxurious when applying my make-up

Bobbi Brown Everything mascara

Everything mascara brush

As much as I love Bobbi Brown the “Everything mascara” didn't sweep me off my feet. Unfortunately it wasn't able to lengthen my short stubby lashes which it promises to do. However I was pleased with how it thickens my lashes.

Review: Benefits "They're Real" mascara

Hey lovelies!! So I decided to try out the Benefits No.1 best-selling mascara "They're Real" because let’s face it these short stubby lashes I have need as much help as they can get.

Benefit "They're Real" mascara

Not only have I read rave reviews on it a lot of people around me claim it to be an amazing mascara, so as I’m always on the lookout for a god send in this department I thought it best to try it out.

Before - No mascara

Before - No mascara 

First impressions when I got my hands on it was pretty packaging, I hope the end result is as pretty as its packaging.

At the moment I use the Dior Iconic and the brush on “they’re real” are almost the same as they both have the silicone head and the bristles are separated, which I love as it helps when it comes to lengthening my lashes.

Silicone brush - "They're real" Benefit

I must say I was pleased with the results of this mascara as it certainly lengthened my short stubby lashes without the clumpy effect that other mascaras do. This mascara is easy to apply whilst lifting and lengthening each strand in a beautiful jet black colour.

After - "They're real" mascara applied

I would say the only flaw of the Benefit “They’re real” mascara is I found the brush slightly uncomfortable when I was applying the mascara, but other than that this might have to become a make-up staple for me.

What's in my Tote??

Today I have brought out my Michael Kors Jet Set Tote. I was lucky enough to have got this bag as a gift for Christmas and haven't put it away since. I adore all the colours this bags comes in but thought the navy was the best for an everyday bag, something different from plain old black.

Michael Kors - Jet Set Tote

Jet Set Tote

Michael Kors

In my tote today I have my favourite Miu Miu wallet, I got this a couple of years ago and the leather has
aged beautifully.

Miu Miu

My Gucci shades, that help my to hide away my tired eyes in the morning. (find similiar here)

Gucci

Cath Kidson Oyster card holder have to travel in style

Apple Ipod touch can't go anywhere without music playing in my ears

Apple Iphone 4S to keep in touch

Denman hair brush to keep this barnet tame

Longchamp cosmetic case full of goodies.

Gucci Guilty Black to keep me smelling fresh