Showing posts with label nails. Show all posts

Showing posts with label nails. Show all posts

Make Your Own Bespoke Nail Polish with Palette London

I love a bit of matchy matchy - whether it's lips and nails, or matching nails to my shoes. The problem is that I can never get the colour exactly right. Palette London have solved my matching problems by sending over this genius Create Your Own Nail Paint collection and it does exactly what it says on the box!

Make Your Own Bespoke Nail Polish with Palette London

Want Neat Nails? My Latest Manicure Must-Haves.

I don't know what's going on but my nails are having a serious stamp-my-feet-on-the-floor tantrum at the moment. My nail tips are breaking, flaking, bending - every bad nail behaviour that's in the book!

I've been using nail strengthening polish but to be honest, I forget to apply them regularly and to be even more honest, I want visible results NOW. Sound familiar to anyone? Dont worry, I've found some simple shortcuts which will help you deal with nasty nails.

Want Neat Nails? My Latest Manicure Must-Haves.

Ciate Nail Treatment Collection : Complete Your Nail Wardrobe!

So I'm rarely one of the 'first wave' of bloggers when it comes to brand new, exciting products. Imagine my delight when I was introduced early to the Ciate Nail Treatment Collection - a 14 strong range of nail treatments for every nail need and out in the shops this month!

Ciate Nail Treatment Collection : Complete Your Nail Wardrobe!

Beauty Battle Of The Nail Strengtheners! Sally Hansen vs Nail HQ

The cold weather of winter can be really tough on nails, causing them to chip and flake. Today, I'm trying one premium treatment and one available at your supermarket. How did they compare?

Beauty Battle Of The Nail Strengtheners! Sally Hansen vs Nail HQ

Cheaper Shellac With DIY Fuse Gelnamel Nail Kit!

Today's post follows on from my Christmas Wishlist: Beauty Gifts You Never Knew You Wanted post - a lustful list of beauty gadgets for even the fullest beauty cabinet!

And well, ask and ye shall receive! I was sent the Fuse Gelnamel Starter Kit to try - WIN!! Seriously, if this isn't proof that starting a blog was a great idea, I don't know what is...

Cheaper Shellac With DIY Fuse Gelnamel Nail Kit!

LFW Sept 2014: What's In My Handbag

As someone who likes to be prepared, the thought of going a full day at London Fashion Week, without any pitstops or outfit changes, means one thing. I NEED A GIANT HANDBAG.

Without any chances to access my bulging suitcase and overflowing makeup bag at my hotel, my choices are limited to what's in my hand candy. So for this weekend alone, I need to have something for every eventuality in my bag!

First of all, let's admiringly look at the holding receptacle itself - my lovely blue Michael Kors Bedford bowling bag. I bought it at Bicester Village for my birthday a few years back and it is PERFECT for LFW as it is in this season's 'it colour' - cobalt blue. I'm so unintentionally on trend...

LFW Sept 2014: What's In My Handbag

Birchbox Fundraising Manithon for Coppafeel!

Heads up if you like a well polished hand! I've been told about a fab event happening next weekend, sponsored by Birchbox, the brilliant beauty box subscription service!

The Birchbox Manithon will take place next week - Friday, 29th of August 2014, 10am-7:30pm in Soho Square in London.

Question, what's a Mani-thon?! Simple really! The event will see 20 manicure stations set up in Soho Square with a team of therapists offering express manicures to the public.

In partnership with Models Own nail polish, spaces can be pre-booked and the manicure fee (suggested £5 per person) will all be donated directly to CoppaFeel!

1 in 8 women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime and checking yourself is vital for early detection.

Birchbox Fundraising Manithon for Coppafeel!

Poolside Nails: No7 Gel-Look Nail Colour in Peacock Green

Today's nail is one of my favourite shades. A beautiful, dreamy yet tropical turquoise, this has got 'GET YER TAN ON!' written all over it.

It's a well known fact that turquoise goes incredibly well with a tan. It's like makeup maths, turquoise + bronze = GOOD every time. Adding a bit of punchy colour to any outfit, turquoise is the perfect colour to add both elegance and an edge.

If you haven't already guessed - I love this shade. But it really belongs only to summer and hot hazy days under the shade of a palm tree (or the tree in your garden).

Therefore I've not really had a chance to crack out this colour until recently but boy oh boy - it's back and it's back on my fingers! I am literally JOY SQUARED right now.

Okay, enough of the maths jokes (what did you expect from an beauty blogging accoutant?!) - let's move swiiiiiftly on to today's product..

Voila! It's the No7 Gel Look Shine Nail Colour in Peacock Green. (aka Turquoise, obvs)

I tell you now, it's no 'ordinary' nail polish.

Poolside Nails: No7 Gel-Look Nail Colour in Peacock Green

DIY Ombre Nail Tutorial using Essie & Models Own

It's here! My second proper YouTube video! I got a lot of lovely comments on my What I Wore To The Wedding post last week and a lot of people had been asking me about how I did my nails.

Here's the secret - it's actually really easy! DONT TELL ANYONE. There is actually a more complex way to do ombre nails properly but if you're a nail art novice or if you only have 10 minutes then THIS is the method for you.

All you need is two nail polishes and a piece of sponge.

The rest.... is all in this video! It's very short, less than 5 minutes - so take a look!

If you like what you see, please give it a LIKE on YouTube and Subscribe to the Face Value Beauty Blog YouTube channel here.

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DIY Ombre Nail Tutorial using Essie & Models Own

Dreaming of Summer: Model's Own Indian Ocean Nail Polish

It’s sunny, it’s glorious, it’s not really that warm but HEY. In my mind, summer is well on it’s way!! And with that thought, I’m dreaming of days spent on a sun-lounger, ripples in the pool, the sound of surf on the sand… What other way to channel this through my personal being than with beachy hair and mermaid makeup?

This week, I already released a tutorial about faking thebronze with the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (which I’m also giving away!) – and today, we’re moving away from the face and hair. The destination? The hands! The gateway to making sandcastles and holding Mr Whippys, beautiful hands are just as important when it comes to summer makeup.

Today’s nails are just that – a beautiful mermaid-meets-swimming-pool shade, it’s the Indian Ocean nail polish from the Model’s Own Beetlejuice range.

models own nail polish review indian ocean beauty makeup

Isn’t it just sublime? Not quite blue, not quite pink pearl. Either way, it's a serious summer colour which will look SHEET HOT with a tan.

Alternatively, if you’re going for a pale and interesting vibe, Indian Ocean will also complement pastel hair and pale skins with an ethereal glow.

Does it come out like it does on the bottle? Read on.

Dreaming of Summer: Model's Own Indian Ocean Nail Polish

Mmm Apple Pie! Model's Own Scented Nail Polish

SPRING IS HERE! The sun is out, the sky is blue and Nature is blooming everywhere. Last weekend, I went for a little country adventure down in Dorset and it was a perfect time to try out (and photograph) my new Model's Own nail polish.

Bought as part of my 50% off Model's Own Nail Polish haul which I blogged about the other month, this fabulous mint green shade is Apple Pie. A gorgeous pastel green, not only is it perfect for Spring, it's also SCENTED. Yarp, a scented nail polish - best invention ever?

During my trial, I've definitely got some highs and lows to tell you about but first of all - let's take a look at the colour (modelled au naturel amongst Spring's fiiiinest purple crocuses)

models own scented nail polish apple pie makeup review

models own scented nail polish apple pie makeup review

What's the verdict?

Mmm Apple Pie! Model's Own Scented Nail Polish

My 50% Off Models Own Nail Polish Haul!

I love a bargain. I love a discount. So naturally I LOVED the Models Own 50% off discount which was on the other week.

I've been a fan of Models Own nail polishes for a while - you can see my review of Hedonist nail polish and Disco Mix here. The consistencies are just right and the colours are brilliant. Great shades for every occasion and great value at £5 a bottle.

At 50% off, I couldn't help myself. I bought 8 items and for about £20! Bargain bargain bargaiiiiin! (The only downside was that it took about 2 weeks to arrive but I think you might agree....they were totally worth the wait.)

From left to right: Indian Ocean, Tangerine Queen, Coral Glaze Hyper Gel, Lilac Sheen Hyper Gel, Pink Power Lip Stix, Pink Veneer Hyper Gel, Apple Pie Fruit Pastel, Express Dry

What have we got here then?

My 50% Off Models Own Nail Polish Haul!

Glittery Nails? Bling It On with Nails Inc

So for Christmas I got this fabulous Nails Inc Bling It On Rocks Kit from my pal Haidee at our annual Christmas Onesie Party (Hiiii Haids - here's a shout out for you!)

I love the Nails Inc special effects polishes so I was really excited to unwrap this! The Bling It On kits are a series of nail-art-made-easy kits and I am ALWAYS keen to try out something new, even if I don't like it (see my attempt at Caviar Nails aka Caviar FAILS)

This Rocks kit is a simple way to bling up your nails by encrusting them with glitter! Not one for those who shy away from a statement, this is serious bling and you can get the look in 4 easy steps...

What's In The Kit?

Glittery Nails? Bling It On with Nails Inc

There's A Party On My Nails! Primark Caviar Manicure Kit

2013 was definitely the year of the decorated nail. The basic shatter coat has evolved over the last few years, we've had the foil coat, the matte finish, 3D glitter and this year - the feather manicure, the leather-look polish, concrete effect, furry velvet, chalkboard nails and oh yeah- the caviar nail.

Now, the kit that normally comes to mind is the Ciate Caviar Manicure kit which has a base colour and a bottle of coloured pearls - a bit like the ones you use to decorate cupcakes except, well.. totally unedible.

Not having tried the caviar manicure before, I didn't want to splash £18 on the Ciate Caviar kit. But when I was in Primark the other day, I came across a replica kit for £2.50.

Obviously I snapped it up there and then (along with 20 million other things in Primark!)

How do I handle these balls?! Alright. I promise to restrain myself from all available puns going forward - do, carry on reading. I shall remain tasteful.

There's A Party On My Nails! Primark Caviar Manicure Kit

Freebie alert! Glamour with Kate Spade for Nails Inc

I don't know about you but my magazine purchases are heeeeavily influenced by the freebies that come with them. Yes yes, I know they're a marketing ploy designed for me to fall for them but hey, I fall and I fall gladly.

I normally gravitate towards Look, Grazia, Company, Glamour, Marie Claire or Cosmopolitan but on the regular occasion that I should ONLY buy one (due to various bank balance, handbag size, you-haven't-even-finished-reading-the-last-one restrictions), it's normally the freebie that swings it for me.

And this month's Glamour magazine had a limited edition Kate Spade for Nails Inc sample and that little portion of my brain which loves a freeebie went into overdrive. Kate Spade! Nails Inc! Free!!

glamour mag free nail polish kate spade nails inc

The shade I got was New York Noir, a lovely glossy midnight black. I picked it because it's not a colour I've got in my vast collection!

But how does it look on my nails? Black can be unforgiving..

Freebie alert! Glamour with Kate Spade for Nails Inc

Selfridges Shopping - What Should I Buy: Nars, Laura Mercier, Ciate or Shu Uemura?

Earlier this month I attended a breakfast with Selfridges and their lovely team to discuss their Christmas plans. And BOOM. The BIG plans for the windows have now been revealed, the Christmas Emporiums have been opened and The One-And-Only giftshop is ready to be discovered! Christmas has arrived!

During the breakfast we did a little gift-card lucky dip - and holy smokes - I actually won something! I never win anything normally - raffles, scratchcards, Monopoly, rock-paper-scissors - it just doesn't happen a lot for me.

So now, the hard part - what to spend my gift card on?? And of course - pay day is just a sniff away, I'm pretty sure I will end up coming out with more than my bank balance bargained for!

So you may be thinking "is shopping really that hard? Boo hoo for you Zoe" - but really, when faced with the choice of all the wonderful glories contained within those four walls... it's actually a VERY tricky decision!

Do I buy stuff that I need? Do I replenish old favourites? Or do I splash out and buy myself something I wouldn't normally buy? WHAT SHOULD I GET?

So I've spent sometime perusing the Selfridges website and these are the gems which have caught my eye. A tough choice non?

I literally can't decide. What a fab collection - but what are they?!

Clockwise starting top left

Selfridges Shopping - What Should I Buy: Nars, Laura Mercier, Ciate or Shu Uemura?

My OPI manicure from #rushbloggermeet at The House of Rush

I'll be honest, for a beauty blogger and general beauty afficionado, I am RUBBISH at painting my nails. Seriously - it looks like I've just taken the brush and tried to paint my nails with my eyes closed. (which, incidentally, you should DEF try sometime with your gal pals - google blind makeovers - just don't do it on a white carpet)

Anyway, little snippets of my spare time aside, I wanted to tell you about a recent manicure I had done at the #rushbloggersmeet organised by Lipgloss&Lashes & The House Of Rush (Rush Salons)

What colour is this?

My OPI manicure from #rushbloggermeet at The House of Rush

Bling Up Your Tools : My Mont Bleu Haul.

Shiny things + Swarovski crystals + Pink. OoooOOOOOOooh.

So some lovely people at Mont Bleu at got in touch with me to see if I'd like to see the personalised items that they make. Mont Bleu produce glass nail files and a range of cosmetic tools all decorated with genuine Swarovski crystals. And for someone who secretly loves a bit of bling, I couldn't say no, could I?

Here's a sample of the tools which were especially chosen for me in what is becoming more commonly known as "Face Value Fuschia" a.k.a there was A LOT OF PINK.

Mont Bleu are one of the world's top suppliers of crystal glass nail files. They also specialise in personalising cosmetic tools with genuine Swarovski crystals - aka the Ali-G touch.

What did I get?

Bling Up Your Tools : My Mont Bleu Haul.

London Fashion Week: Top 5 Products For Your LFW Look

London Fashion Week. A glittering of flashbulbs lights up London. Reams and reams of makeup used in one day. Hair straightened, curled and straightened again. A million outfits worn and discarded ....and that's just my bedroom!

LFW is a hive of activity, and I'm a fan of always being prepared for anything. Who knows, you could blag a last minute invite to a show or after-party - anything could happen!

So what do I arm myself with during the week? These are my top five products to see your Fashion Week face through any activity.

Clockwise from top left.

Bling Fingers

Wearing a classic outfit but worried it'll be boring?

London Fashion Week: Top 5 Products For Your LFW Look

Nude Nails Get An Update: Barry M Confetti Effects

Nude nails are a favourite nail look of mine. They go with everything! Whether you're wearing your work smarts or your out-out disco pants, nude nails add a touch of class to all occasions.

Plus they hide a multitude of nail sins in that a carefree "oh my nails are totes naturally like this" way. An absolute blessing for a girl like me who removes her own Shellac and ends up with unsightly glue stains for weeks...

But too much plain can get boring. No one wants to be vanilla all the time.

The answer is simple.

JUST ADD SPRINKLES.

So here we go, my quick summer update for nude nails inspired by ice cream.

And yes, there is a quick way to get this look which does NOT involve drawing on each individual sprinkle yourself.

What did I use?

Nude Nails Get An Update: Barry M Confetti Effects

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