Four Ways To Jazz Up Your Manicure

Hello Beauty Addicts!

You're probably thinking - what the hell is she doing? Another nails post! However this is a post that I've been collecting photographs for for a very long with the view of bringing you four simple ways to jazz up your nails.

I'm a big lover of the classic one colour, shining like mirrors manicure but for me my manicure is as much an accessory as my bracelets, or my make up, or my handbag etcetera etcetera... So I like something a bit different here and there.

So let's get on with the show. Enjoy.

*As always it's important to note that no matter what you're putting on your nails a base coat tailored to your nail type is always advised as this protects your nails and prevents staining when using anything dark or with primary coloured pigments.*

Spending ban? What?

 

Hello Beauty Addicts! 

    Now I know that this has been a long time coming. It pains me but I am undeniably intrigued and lets face it I'm just going to go shopping at the end of it. So I know that there is a bit of a challenge going around about spending bans well I'm doing it! EEEEKKK! 

    I'm setting myself some rules, as I feel that I should, because at the end of the day, money is kinda needed for survival. I decided to do this not just in the interest of my poor piggy bank which is empty. Am I the only person that feels like I'm feeding the pig when I put money in? Well then he'll starve if I don't. I also wanted to do this challenge though to be more creative. To not just buy a new top, or a new bracelet but to take what I've got and be clever, turn it into something new. Recycling!

   Wow, I'm half excited I thing and half not!

    So here are my rules:

• Whilst I will be cutting down on unnecessary spending on eating out etc this ban is mostly on beauty products. So that's makeup, clothes, accessories, perfume, skin care and body care (other than essentials). 
• Having said that I will not be buying books, CD's, DVD's or magazines or the like. 
•  As stated above, I'm not going to stop all spending because I'm a student and there often isn't another choice but to eat out. However I will be sticking to plans that I have made with friends already. Cuts on leisure activity's will be enforced after these pre-arrange events have taken place. 
• This challenge will last one hundred days, which if my calculations are correct should take me up to Christmas. Therefore the ban will exclude Christmas presents and any birthdays in the next few months. 

So that's it I think! Obviously college supplies etc. Class books, educational trips and such will have to be payed for. Basically I want to cut down on all the little things that I buy that I don't need. I mean, do I really need more than one lipstick? Do I honestly need 10 mascara's that all do the same thing. No.

In light of this you'll probably find that my monthly wish list will be even longer and more lustful than usual, but hey, that's fine.


I challenge all of you to give it a go with me!

Goodbye addicts!

Squared Up - How to: square manicure

                                              

Squared Up - How to: square manicure

 

Hello beauty addicts!

Getting the perfect square manicure is a little more complicated than just filing in a straight line. Whether your nails are long or short the perfect square will take a few months to really achieve but if you want a guaranteed salon polished manicure then follow the steps below :)

You will need: 

• A straight edged nail clipper. 

• Nail file with buffer - at least four sided! 
• Nail hardening top coat.
• Cuticle oil, cream or softener.
• Wooden or metal cuticle pusher.
• Nail polish - coloured or clear, it's up to you. 

So here we go. Beware, if your nails grow slowly and are brittle or soft this can take a while.

1. Ensure nails are clean and dry. Using the nail clipper, cut nails to about a millimetre longer than desired length. I like to cut this quite short as it takes less time for the sides to catch up. If your nails are curved like mine (as you look at them from the tips of your fingers) you may want to cut each side of the nail and join each clip up in the middle. 
2. File away the added millimetre in a straight line and use the second side of you file to remove rough bits of nail.
3. Buff the surface of the nails to remove ridges and use the third side of your nail file to smooth both the end of the nail and the surface. 
4. Wash nails to remove and dust from filing and apply a strengthening top coat to protect the nails.
5. Nails must be left to grow until the straight edge of the nail grows at least two millimetres from the finger tip. 
6. Remove the top coat and file the nails until the straight edge at the top joins up with the sides and forms a right angle. 
7. Soften the nails cuticle with the oil or cream and use the cuticle pusher to push the cuticles back at the courners so that they mirror the shape you've created with your nails.
8. Use your file to adjust how harsh you want your square shape to be on the nail tips and repeat steps three and four. 
9. Paint with a colour of your choice and don't forget a top coat to protect your new salon perfect nails. 

Enjoy.

Goodbye addicts. 

What's my face worth?

Hello Beauty Addicts!

So I’ve seen this tag a few times and became – rather foolishly – convinced that my face doesn’t cost that much. In protest I decided to go ahead and tot up all the products on my face (make up wise) and lets just say, I’ve been beaten by this tag! My face is officially expensive. Well at least it is on a student budget! However in comparison to others that I’ve seen at about £200 pounds but baring in mind that this list includes cheap products that i don’t really like but can’t afford to replace with the more expensive ones that I love.

I know that this tag is all over the place at the moment but I’ve been absolutely hooked and amazed by how much money we spend on our face. I’d be so rich if I didn’t care… *sighs*
Let’s go:

• 17 Photo Flawless Primer – £4.99
• Max Factor Xperience Foundation in Raw Silk – £9.99
• Collection 2000 Illuminating Touch Concealer – £3.99
• Collection ‘Fix Me Up’ Long Lasting Makeup Fixer – £3.99
• MeMeMe Flawless Loose Powder – £5.99
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – £14.50
• Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette – £36.00
• Jemma Kidd I-Glamour Define Eyeliner in Black – £14.00
• Rimmel Scandal’Eyes Show Off Mascara – £6.99
• Maybelline Illegal Length Waterproof Mascara – £8.99
• Bourjois Little Round Pot Eyeshadow in Beige Rose (used as a highlighter) – £6.49
• Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher in Rose D’Or – £7.49
• Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint in Endless Blossom – £6.99
• Lip Smackers Lip Balm Coca cola Cherry – £2.55

Grand Total: £133.45

That’s a big hole in a students bank balance, ouch!

Bye Addicts!

August Wish List

Hola Beauty Addicts!

August has been a more of pure shopping lust and erm… no money! My current bank balance is currently reading exactly £1, and no, I’m not kidding. So it’s safe to say that my August ‘omg, I have to have that!’ list is pretty long and the only way I can possible console myself is to make you all want these stunning pieces with me. Shall we begin?

1. This month I have fallen hopelessly in love with the man, the myth, the legend: Ted Baker. Okay, so perhaps he’s not an actual man, but I would still gladly take this stunner of a handbag to bed with me. Now, something you must understand about me and dear Mr Baker is that we have the ultimate love/hate relationship. He can’t handle my need for uniqueness and I don’t like his price tags but every so often items like this just arrive on the self and I die of a blissful heartbreak.

Now I myself have never seen a bag that has all the sleekness and simplicity as classic ‘Little Brown Bag,’ until now. The colour of this reminds me of strawberry angel delight and who doesn’t like a yummy accessory? So I guess I could say this bag is just the cure to my retail therapy sweet tooth. Who needs ice cream! Plus the bow matches my sunglasses perfectly, just a bonus.

TWINCON – Glitter bow ikon bag – £39

2. Speaking of relationships, me and Warehouse have been a part of a happy family together for many years. This is just the store that keeps on giving and whilst I can’t afford it at the moment, (sigh) hence why it’s appearing here but at £80 – not including the nifty student discount – I think it’s a steal for such a statement piece. The fabric just slides through the fingers and I’ve always been a fan of an open back as I feel that’s a good feature on most people – is that weird? Psychologically, the neck, back and shoulders are the most sensual part of a woman’s body. Who knew? Not me, until my crazy Psych teacher told me and that was not a happy experience.  I don’t feel this dress would need mush accessorising and a beautiful pair of nudes would transform this look from amazing to drop dead gorgeous.

Feature Back Crepe Dress – £80

3. If I see a bag and fall in love in an instant, it’s pretty safe to say that on closer inspection I’m going to find that it’s a Fiorelli. Whilst dragging my rather unlucky boyfriend around the bags I stumbled across a shoulder bag that took my breath away. Now it you haven’t already guessed, I’m a big bow fan and this does not disappoint. This bag has sparkles. It has prints. It has texture! What more could you want. And all for the not so bargain basement price of £39. But when did you ever get a Fiorelli for a fiver?

Cupid Crossbody – £39

4. We’re back to Ted Baker! I’m a bagaholic and this baby is less than a steal. However, hefty price tag aside it’s an absolutely beautiful thing. I can see this on my shoulder for almost everything; a boho kick to any outfit, the perfect designer beach bag, a ‘no, I don’t need a bag, I’ve got my bottomless Mary Poppins purse’ shopping trip, the list is endless. The inside is an expanse of floral patterned loveliness and the black patent bottom with protect your valuables if it gets put down in anything unfortunate. Yep, I’m guilty.

Patent Bow Shopper – £89

5. Last but not least these need no explanation more that a photograph. These are perfect for that nasty slushy stuff that we will inevitably get this winter and if your like me – car-less – you’ll know where I’m coming from. Sleek, cute as heck and practical. Love.

Mel Boot Bow in Navy – £38

Bye Addicts!

Glaminator à la Scotland (Look One)

Hello Beauty Addicts!
In light of my recent trip to Scotland I thought I would take a trip back in time and share with you some of my favourite (and not so glamorous) looks.


Let’s get started! I was pretty careless on this holiday and didn’t actually get a snap of this outfit but I should have. This is the look that I wore for the Edinburough Fringe Festival. I wanted a black and gold look with a bright red lip to match the colour of the festival. Enter in my theme for the outfit.

I discovered this top in the sale at Lipsy when I was in Shrewsbury and fell deeply in love from the very first sight. It was the very last one and it was in my size. I knew it was fate. Unlike this picture I paired it with a pair of skinny jeans from River Island and some bright red Faith wedges. Unfortunately, the shoes are of a very old line and have been discontinued but any red wedge will suffice! I favoured mine as they have a gold leaf type material (not real gold of course!) thread through the wedge and a nice big heel to show it off. This top also has a transparent black back so a good pair of comfortable heels that encourage good posture were also a must. Bandeau optional

Accessories!

Accessories are my favourite part of any outfit but for this one I kept things simple. I started of with a gold four point pyramid ring that I acquired through my ASOS haul during the 70% sale – which is still running by the way but at 50% off instead – and considering the set of two, one gold, one black, were so cheap they are absolutely fantastico quality. It would seem I’m not the only one who thinks so as they sold out like hot cakes! But no fear, check out the links list at the bottom for some great alternatives.

Now the sun was definitely out for the Fringe this year and I chose to protect my eyes with my River Island sunglasses. The link at the bottom of the page is for the River Island site but I snapped up mine for just £5.50 from ASOS. (Unfortunately sold out now!) I loved the detailing with the bow on these as they reminded me of the Chanel sunnies. The pop of purple colour on the shades is also gorgeous. These are over sized, which I love because you can go very minimal on eye make up and just add a bright lip and nobody will be none the wiser… oh, and of course the fact that they fully protect the eyes.

Last but not least I pulled everything together with an old gold wrap braclet from Top Shop.  This is definitely an optional accessory but FluerDeForce has recently replenished her stock in the wrap bracelet department, especially the rose gold, which is beautiful.

Finishing Touches.

Whilst flipping through a magazine in the hairdressers I came across this cute hairstyle and recreated it for the festival. Here is is in just simple steps.

• Flip your head upside down and french braid until you reach where you would usual place your high ponytail then keep braiding with the hair you have without picking up anymore hair. Secure with an elastic hair tie. This does not have to be neat!
• I like to leave my fringe and some loose strands around my face but you can backcomb the hair and brush it back into the pony tail. Gather your hair into a high ponytail including the braid and secure with a strong hair tie. Your ponytail should be high enough that the braid at the back can be seen clearly.
• Wrap the remaining braid around the hair tie to hide it and pin into place.
• Finally, smooth fly aways or you can leave them loose to create a more editorial look. Hair spray the entire look and add finishing touches. This could be hair clips and accessories. For me,  I like to curl my ponytail and backcomb it a little.

Makeup:
17 Photo Flawless Primer
Collection 2000 Illuminating Touch Concealer
Collection Fix Me Up Long Lasting Makeup Fixer
Rimmel Scandal’Eyes Show Off Mascara
Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick – colour: Fire and Ice
And there you have it, my first ‘take on Scotland’ look. Next up I’ll be showing you my little black dress and talking about why you should never buy heels from Primark!
Bye Addicts!

‘It’s (not so) Potent!’

Hello Beauty Addicts!

I first fell in love with Benefit when I was on a plane to Tunisia. Seeing as it was my first holiday abroad I thought I would splurge on the plane and buy myself a Benefit kit that contained their infamous ‘Benetint,’ their mint monstrosity ‘California Kissin’’ (no comments on that one) and a mystery product that soon became my favourite and I would go as far to say my staple beauty product: ‘EyeCon’ under eye cream.

But wait, what’s that? ‘EyeCon’ discontinued!

This is exactly what I discovered when I walked into my local Boots store, strode confidently up to the Benefit counter with my £21.50 in hand to find that not only had the price gone up to a grand total of £23.50 but the product had change. Now I’m not above paying more in the current economy but since the quality of the product has decreased I am incredibly disappointed.

Whilst buying ‘It’s Potent’ I was assured by the sales assistant that the new formula was moisturising, brightening and tightening in a way that the old ‘EyeCon’ formula never did. Now I’m fully aware that the Benefit sales team are just that: SALES! But generally I’ve always found them to know what they’re talking about. This cream however has proved to be a big no-no.

So let’s start with the claim…
“It’s potent! eye cream fades dark circles & helps smooth fine lines for brighter, younger-looking eyes. Contains a peptide complex known to help restore elasticity & firmness.”

I’m first going to go for the elasticity and firmness, now these are words that get thrown around a lot and I’m just going to discount firmness as there is nothing ‘firm’ about the eye area and this cream certainly doesn’t magically change that, nor does it improve elasticity of skin. Elasticity? I’ve always struggle with this description as elastic stretches both ways as we all know, it can be loose as well as tight so surely what this longwinded, scientific mumbo jumbo sentence is saying is that the cream with address the taughtness (yes?) of skin. Now whether that is technically a real word or not, it certainly makes more sense. Summary: skin condition = no change.

Moving on to ‘fades dark circles.’ Here I find myself in a somewhat 50/50 state of opinion. This cream does not fade existing dark circles. In fact, if you’re using this cream alone then it adds a shimmery wet look to the skin that highlights puffiness and darkness around the eye area. BUT, and it is a big ‘but,’ I must grudgingly admit that as a preventative method ‘It’s Potent!’ does have some merits. A good thick layer as you sleep when you know you’re getting up at five in the morning can do wonders so it begs the question as to whether this is a good formula but just doesn’t have the added concealing power that its predecessor (‘EyeCon’) had.

In light of this I feel compelled to offer two final verdicts. In comparison to its older version I must say that it’s a big, fat zero. On its own and in its own right I will give this product a 2/5 for its overnight treatment, but disappointing as this is not the products intended use!