Nail Porn: My New Chrome & Holographic Nails!

I’ve always loved having long nails; they’ve always grown strong and long for as long as I can remember. I actually gave up violin aged 9 after playing for just a year, because I was fed up of being told every week to cut my nails, and every week being told that the slither I had filed off wasn’t good enough and so I took up playing the flute instead. Even at that age, I knew my nails were more important to me than a violin. 😉

However, recently I’ve been going through a lot of stress and have noticed the toll it’s taking on them as they’ve been snapping quite low down, so for the first time in my life I’ve had to have them repaired with a few acrylic extensions. I took this opportunity to head to a new salon that I’d seen and been impressed with on Instagram because of the variety of nail colours and designs they showcased on there and these petrol-like, holographic nails are what I came out with, and I couldn’t be more pleased with them. Plus, I think Cobi, the nail technician there made the acrylic tips blend in perfectly with the shape of my natural nails, don’t you think? 😍

I also tried to get a video to show you how holographic they went under a direct light, but my cat wanted in on the action, and she's cute so why not. ;-)

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Models Own Diamond Luxe Nail Polish Collection!

L-R: Princess Pink, Trillion Taupe, Heart Red, Pear Purple, Marquise Maroon, Carat Coral, Asscher Blue, Radiant Pink, Emerald Green, Oval Plum.

I have literally *just* received this information in my inbox, and I couldn't wait to hop-foot it over to you to tell you all about it. My magpie senses are going mad already for this fantastic, sparkling collection from Models Own, due to be released on 19th September 2014.

Not only do these polishes look totally blingtastic, but they form part of Models Own's first ever 'luxe' collection - Diamond Luxe, and who doesn't like diamonds, right?!

This ten-strong shade of polishes all contain real, actual, bonafide, genuine diamond dust. Now I don't know about you, but that's definitely a type of dust that I can get down with! The diamond dust is said to give a 'completely unique, multi-dimensional super-sparkly finish'... well that's me sold already. ;-)

But wait, there's more! Apparently this level of sparkle and bling doesn't come at the cost of having to put up with rough nails that grab onto on any old piece of fluff, like a child clinging to their favourite comfort blanket.

Now I don't know about you, but even with layers of top coat, glittery sparkly nails (other than gel based) never, ever go smooth for me... which ends up giving your beautiful sparkly manicure a more 'dipped in fluff that just happened to contain some glitter' look about it.

Another bonus is that they say these are both quick drying, AND long lasting - 2 of my favourite things to put together when considering the chore of applying nail polish, because let's face it, it looks great, but does anybody actually enjoy applying nail polish? Especially if you're a clumsy oaf like me, that ruins it within minutes. Seconds even, sometimes!

Each polish will retail at £4.99, which is a total bargain in my opinion, and will be available from www.modelsownit.com from 19th September, UK Models Own Bottleshops from the 20th September and Superdrug stores nationwide on 24th September 2014.

Holy yes!! I need them all in my life... right now. Are you loving or leaving this collection and are any colours screaming out 'own me' to you straight away?

P.S, I'll post again when I have some in my hands to show you!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

eBay Introduces New Collections Tool - See My Collections & Tell me What You Think!

eBay to me has always been the place that I turned to when I couldn’t find an item in stock, or had baulked at paying, or just couldn’t stretch to paying full price for something in a shop/online. Yep, it’s hit and miss as to what you find on there, but that’s the beauty of it as, whilst at times it may not have what you’re looking for, you can set up alerts for these searches… and when you get that email saying something you had been looking for has been listed, it is game on!!

Sometimes though, eBay can be daunting, with the sheer volume of items on there that it can be hard to find the products you want, especially when running with a theme, or trying to match them up to other items in general. So, eBay have come up with a pretty cool solution with their new Collections tool, a way of saving, and showing items that you think work well together.

This is perfect for your own organisational reasons or for sharing with friends and family; and I can totally imagine this working well for things like birthday and Christmas wish lists, as when people are asking what you’d like, you can just point them in the direction of your collections. Clever, huh?!

In preparation for the launch, eBay asked me to make some collections of my own and so I spent a good few hours scouring the site to see what treats took my fancy. You could say this was just a more elaborate form of my usual way to window shop, where I add everything I would like to own into any given ‘cart’, see the total cost, laugh (and cry) before closing the tab in defeat – as attempting to whittle down any shopping cart like that is near on impossible for this indecisive lady. ;-)

Here are just a few of my favourite collections from all of the collections I have been making (all clickable):

Modern Twist on a Vintage Wedding

Natural Glamour.

GOLD...

Wild About Animal Print.

Girls Night Out!

All Hail The Nail.

The rest can be found HERE!

The collections format actually reminds me somewhat of Pinterest, and other similar sites in the way that you add items, and the way it appears overall, and I think it’s going to be a great addition to the site. I’m already making more collections to lust after, in the hope that I come into some money. Ha.

What do you think about the new addition? Have you seen or used the new collections tool? Could you make use of it? x

P.S: Apologies if you're using a mobile to view this post, if the images are a bit wonky - not entirely sure what has happened with that.

This post has been sponsored by eBay.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday!

True ^

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday - Models Own Offer Starts Today!

http://www.modelsownit.com/

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Ciaté Feather Manicures!

Ciaté have really been bringing out the big guns in the at home nail art/manicure world in recent times, what with their Caviar, Velvet, Sequin and Chalkboard Manicure kits (to name but a few, all of which I have yet to actually trial) being released; and so I am not surprised to see yet another weird, yet wonderful kit from them appearing on my nail-dar.

Their new 'Feather Manicure' kits (£20 each) actually look like such good fun, and are definitely something different from the norm. I could see me using the feather manicure kits mostly on an accent nail or 2, as opposed to doing a full manicure on all nails. I think this way the kit would first of all last longer, but also stop it being too much of a good thing.

In the image above there are two out of the three kits available showing, but there's also a snow owl version, containing monochrome feathers that I couldn't find the full set of images for, but can be viewed on the Selfridges site, where the kits are available to buy.

What do you think about these kits? Are they something you could see yourself wearing, or do you think it's a step too far/too much faff?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

China Glaze Monsters Ball Collection for Halloween 2013

I love glitter, I do... but then you'll know this if you've been a regular reader of this blog; and so when I spy a glitter nail polish, my interest is automatically piqued, just like it was when I spotted these glitter-fabulous China Glaze 'Monsters Ball' collection images in my inbox today.

The shades are as follows (from left to right reads from top to bottom):
 
Ghoulish Glow: Glow-in-the-Dark top coat
Howl You Doin’: Shadowy purple glitter
Fang-Tastic: Mysteriously mixed up green, blue and magenta glitter
Boo-Gie Down: Multi-sized orange, black and white glitter
Bat My Eyes: Ominous gold glitter
Bump In The Night: Hair-raising black texture

I'm totally eying up the whole collection, especially the purple and gold glitter shades, oh and also the black texture too... so if I absolutely *had* to choose just 3, I'm thinking that those would be the ones I'd be choosing.

What do you think my lovelies? Do you like the look of the collection, are there any shades in particular that you must have in your life?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Models Own Collections - Velvet Goth & Fireworks!

Well it has been known in the past for me to be a bit of a magpie where nail polish anything is concerned. I do love a bit of sparkle and shine, so when I saw these images in my email inbox, a little large part inside of me did a whoop and a cheer. I absolutely bloody love the look of these collections, they're right up my street and perfect for the (dare I say it) upcoming party season, since it will be here before we know it. I'm going to miss the sunny days we've had, it has to be said.

Anyway, what'dya think, are you digging the bling, or do you prefer a plainer finish? x

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

QVC Today's Special Value (TSV): Red Carpet Manicure Gel Polish Kit with LED Lamp!

I've been looking at these kits for some time, wondering if they're actually as good as a salon gel manicure?! Has anybody used them? If so, what do you think?

I like the idea of quick 'curing' time, meaning I am not flapping my hands around and blowing my nails for hours (which lets face it, is tedious and looks weird), and actually think I'd be more likely to give some nail art a go because of this (I hate spending ages creating a masterpiece (ish) on my nails, only to then go and ruin it by knocking/smudging it etc)! On that note, does anybody know of any product that makes polish dry super quickly, that isn't Seche Vite, since I did not have a good experience with this stuff?!

Anyway, I noticed that today on QVC they have a Red Carpet Manicure set* as their TSV, which in this case means the set is this price (£74.97 plus £6.95 postage) and with the 3 easy payments (you pay £24.99 per month for 3 months, until the full amount is paid, postage and packaging cost is paid in first upfront payment) for one day only - until midnight tonight, actually.

If you've had your eye on one of these kits, this actually seems like a really good offer. I'm liking the look of both colour options too. Anybody going to go for it? x


*"Red Carpet Manicure gel nail set with LED lamp. This collection contains everything you need to achieve a long-lasting, high-shine gel manicure or pedicure that dries almost instantly, including an LED lamp, top and base coats, three gel nail colours and much more. Get the latest nail trend in the comfort of your own home thanks to this innovative gel nail set.

Enjoy a long-lasting finish - just like a professional gel manicure, each layer is 'cured' to dry under the LED lamp in as little as 30 seconds, so you can get on with your day without worrying about smudging or chipping your colour.
Care for your nails - your Red Carpet Manicure set comes with everything you need to remove your polish. The collection also includes cuticle oil and a protein-rich base coat to help keep your nails in tip-top condition.
Save on professional manicures - get the same look at home time and time again without having to pay salon prices.
Colours to suit all - choose from either on-trend brights or sophisticated autumnal shades. The gorgeous glossy shine combined with the wide choice of colours will never look out of style!
Contains:

• 1 x professional LED lamp - features built-in 45 second self timer function, cool light technology, long-lasting bulbs and an AC power cord adapter
• 2 x Purify Pre and Post Application Cleanser (59ml)
• 1 x Prep Max Adhesion (9ml)
• 1 x Structure Base Coat Gel (9ml)
• 1 x Brilliance Seal and Shine Top Coat Gel (9ml)
• 1 x Revitalise Nourishing Cuticle Oil (9ml)
• 2 x Erase Gel Nail Polish Remover (59ml)
• 2 x removal kits - contains 20 pre-cut foil sheets and foam removal soak pads 
• 3 x Red Carpet LED Gel Nail Polish (9ml)
• 1 x accessories kit – containing one cuticle and buffing stick, two strips of adhesive buffing tabs (20 in total), emery board and 10 orangewood sticks
• 1 x instructional DVD
• 1 x UK instructions for LED light
• 1 x Brochure
• 1 x Ingredient list for cuticle oil

Colour options:

Summer

• 1 x Mimosas by the Pool - hot rich coral
• 1 x Socialite Status - bright fuchsia pink
• 1 x Sea Cloud Cruise - baby blue (only available at QVC)

Autumn

• 1 x Publicity Stunt - mulberry
• 1 x Bourgeois Babe - sheer berry red (only available at QVC)
• 1 x Sands of Time - creamy latte (only available at QVC)

Behind the brand
The at-home gel polish system was created by the same people who first brought LED light technology to the professional salon manicure market. Red Carpet Manicure is designed to give you fast-drying and long-lasting results in the comfort of your own home."

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Rococo 'Lady of the Manor' Polish Collection for Autumn 2013!

I can't believe we're looking towards autumn already! However, I just love the look of these new shades being brought out by nail brand, Rococo this autumn. Pony Club is definitely the one jumping out at me, but honestly, I could see myself wearing every one of the shades in the collection.

Whaddya think?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Wordless Wedneaday - Ha!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Anna Sui Limited Edition Dress Shaped Holiday/Christmas Nail Polish!

I saw these on Facebook and got all excited as they look fabulous, only to find that the only place I could find them to buy online was Urban Outfitters ($15 each) in the USA, and for USA shipment only. :-(

I'm gutted, as I would have probably bought all of the shades... not least because they'd look great on my dressing table. Aren't they fab?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Models Own 'Show Stopper' Nail Polish, Exclusive for Clothes Show Live 2012.

There’s good news for all you lovers of sparkly nail polish who are heading to the Clothes Show Live this year (7th-11th December, Birmingham NEC), as Models Own have created this exclusive polish, aptly named 'Show Stopper' that will only be available to buy from their stand (PK116) at the show, for £5.

The polish is inspired by this year's Clothes Show Live ambassador, Daisy Lowe and is a stunning multi-tonal, holographic fine glitter containing 'gorgeous twinkling greys, blues, silver and purples'. I received one in the post this morning, and will get swatches up for you ASAP!

Are you going to the show, and if so, will you be purchasing this lovely polish?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday - Ciaté Sequin Manicure!

Lots of lovely things coming from Ciaté!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Ciaté 'Treasured Possessions' Collection!

Just noticed a sneak peak of an upcoming 'Treasured Possessions' collection on the Ciaté Facebook page, I think I spy some of the shades from this post last month - how exciting!

I'm definitely going to need to get my hands on them all, they look right up my street (ie, they're full of glitter and shimmer) but are also perfect for Christmas and party season for those who don't normally bother with glitter (even if only on the tips of the nails), don't you think?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Ciaté Nail Polish Before Being Bottled!

I saw this photograph on the Ciaté Facebook page and fell in love with the glitter and sparkle, it's beautiful! I know at 31 I should be growing out of glittery/sparkly things, but I am just too much of a magpie for that to happen - my mum is 65 and she's exactly the same, so I expect there's no hope for me haha.

Just imagine having these big jars of nail polish! Do you think you could ever get through that amount of the stuff? I think I'd be tempted to paint my walls with it! ;-)

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

My Xen Tan Spray Tan!

Back in July, I attended a Xen-Tan event and I've been wanting to blog about it ever since, but due to internet/email/laptop issues, have been unable to do so, until now. The event was focused around the Xen-Tan brand, the products within it and celebrity fans of the brand, which you can also view here.

At the event, I met lots of lovely people, got pampered with a Jessica manicure and a Xen-Tan spray tan, and came out of it actually looking alive, rather than the almost deathly pale shade that I usually sport.

Having my nails done.

More nails being done.

Nails again!

I chose the darker shade of tan and was really, really pleased with it. It wasn't too dark, and it wasn't orange in the slightest. I could see the colour difference straight away when I moved the string of the oh so flattering (and not at all embarrassing to wear) paper knickers to another position and I already felt better for having a 'healthy' colour.

Chatting with lovely bloggers and PR ladies.

And again. I love how my tan looks here, especially on my legs haha.

Over the course of the evening, my tan developed into a lovely, even shade - bar my hands which were noticeably paler than the rest of my body. I think the girl who did my spray tan was a bit too cautious with them, and so this was the result of possibly over-moisturising them and just doing the one coat of tan as opposed to the 2 she used on the rest of my body.

My tan shortly after having it done, note the pale hands, especially my right hand. Nail polish used in my manicure, which is just about showing was 'Venus Was Her Name' by Jessica.

That being said, I was still pleased with the tan in every other way, it lasted about 11 ish days before I felt it had faded noticeably, but evenly, and would happily go back for another... just without the pale hands lol.

Apologies that the only images I have are ones taken at the event by Xen-Tan and the PR team - my images of my tan etc were on my old laptop that I no longer have access to. Also, apologies for the way I look in the image above, no make-up (bar tinted lip balm), flushed cheeks and my hair just scraped back off my face coupled with extreme awkwardness in front of the camera is not a good look for me haha.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Models Own Wonderland Collection!

How amazing does this collection look? I need them all! For me, Models Own are truly on form with the collections they've been releasing lately. I find their nail polish to be easy to apply and generally quite long lasting too - plus they're super affordable, which is always a bonus!

This description is from their Facebook page:

"Five magical polishes ranging in gradients of subtle to dense glitter for a sophisticated grown-up glimmer. For a manicured finish use the iridescent shades to give an accent of glitter, or be brave and layer up the polish until it's opaque! Each polish gives a different nail finish from frosty to full on snowstorm: 

• Jack Frost, a wash of iridescent soft sparkle in a translucent cloudy base; 
• Snowflake, a mesmerising transparent mix of white gold flakes; 
• Southern Lights, an opaque holographic multi-tonal glitter in a lilac finish; 
• Northern Lights, a fine holographic multi-tonal glitter in a pink finish; 
• Blizzard, a dense mix of hand cut glitters to give a silver day-night sparkle!"

They're apparently available in Boots stores and the Models Own Bottleshop (Westfield, London) right now, but I'm trying to get more details as to if it will be available online any time soon too.

What do you think, are these calling to you?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

QVC Today's Special Value - Nails Inc 7pc Special Effects Collection £24.96 (Normal QVC price £30.25)!

Just a quick post to let you know that today's QVC TSV is a beauty one, Nails Inc to be precise. It looks like a fab little set and I am heavily tempted to get the credit card out for this one as that purple-y shade (second one in) looks pretty fantastic to me.

Whaddya think?

Seven-piece Nails Inc Special Effects Collection. Showcases a fashion-forward range of special nail effects including glitter and sprinkle polishes, the revolutionary diamond nail jewellery, plus bestselling Porchester Square and more. Let Nails Inc help you experiment and create your own unique looks with confidence.

Why Nails Inc? Polishes are long-lasting, easy-to-apply and keep a high gloss shine day after day. Fashion is at the heart of the brand, and they’re often found behind the scenes at London Fashion Week, collaborating with top fashion houses.

Contains:

• 1 x Brand New Sloane Gardens (10ml) – deep navy blue glitter made especially for QVC
• 1 x Brand new Warwick Street (10ml) - pale lilac colour with fine red, blue and silver sprinkles effect made especially for QVC
• 1 x Pudding Lane (10ml) - teal with navy and gold sprinkles. The glitter particles are mattified to give you the perfect amount of sparkle
• 1 x Princes Arcade (10ml) - pink diamond nail jewellery. This revolutionary formula has been created with hand-cut particles creating faceted fragments that dazzle like precious stones
• 1 x Cheyne Walk (10ml) - purple mirror metallic with two tone effect. Created with new mica pearls that give depth of colour, mirror shine and a two-tone effect
• 1 x Porchester Square (10ml) - bestselling, muted mushroom shade
• 1 x Portobello (10ml) - neon coral

Take me to the booty!*

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Essie Mirror Metallics Collection!

I saw this on the Essie Facebook page and thought that you guys would be as interested in this as I am. I love metallics, even though they require a bit more prep work to avoid any ridges or bumps in the nail from showing - a good base coat usually sorts that out.

The colours aren't necessarily groundbreaking in the metallics field, but I find Essie nail polish to have a great formula, application, and staying power so I'm looking forward to seeing these in the flesh!

Are any catching your eye? I think I need them all in my life.

I have no idea if they're out soon, or not but I'll be sure to update if/when I find out.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk