NOTD: Galaxy Nails

I've been eyeing up so many photos of Galaxy Nails and dismissing the design because I thought it was too complicated and would take forever. How wrong could I be? When my BBBFF* Leanne posted a tutorial I thought I'd give it a go. Even if I did think her 30 minutes was a bit of a stretch ;)

* That's short for beauty blogging best friend forever don't ya know?

I couldn't have been more wrong. 30 minutes later I had amazing galaxy nails.

Products Used

Illamasqua Base Coat

Rimmel Lasting Finish Black Cab

LA Colors Tropical Storm (sponged)

ELF Party Purple (sponged)

LA Girl Metal Nail Polish in Alkaline Blue (sponged)

China Glaze Emerald Fitzgerald (sponged)

LA Colors Nail Art Brush in White (dotted)

China Glaze Fairy Dust

Illamasqua Top Coat

Foam eyeshadow applicator
Dotting Tool

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Have you tried Galaxy Nails? Would you like to see me do a tutorial post for this design?

Review: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters

Today I wanted to show you my two newest additions to my Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter collection, Berry Smoothie* and Raspberry Pie*. They are the perfect update for my winter makeup. Who doesn't like to embrace a trend? *Hops on bandwagon*


L-R: Berry Smoothie Lip Butter, Vixen Nail Enamel, Raspberry Pie Lip Butter


L-R: Berry Smoothie, Raspberry Pie


L-R: Berry Smoothie, Raspberry Pie

One of the most exciting cosmetic launches of 2012 was undoubtedly the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters. I've got quite a few in my collection and they're something that I reach for time and time again over a regular lipstick.

I love how hydrating they feel thanks to the mango, shea and coconut butter formula. The finish is the reason that I really love the Lip Butters. The hydrating gel formula feels very much like a lip balm with their gorgeous glossy sheen but they have the colour intensity of a lipstick and a much better longevity. Anything that doesn't leave me reaching for my lip balm on a frequent basis is a winner for me, especially in these cold winter months when my lips need the extra hydration.

I'm loving the matchy matchy berry trend at the moment and what better way to do it than with a gorgeous berry shade on your nails? I've been in search of a perfect rich, deep berry shade because I don't seem to own any - how ridiculous is that? I have about 200 polishes and no berry shades. Luckily Revlon's Vixen* came into my life and I'm in love! Two coats gives a beautiful opaque coverage et voila! Your on trend winter nails. What more could you ask for?


I have some exciting news for you ladies! 

Revlon's Sweet Boutique is back!

Launching today, the Sweet Boutique is back on the Revlon Facebook page. Revlon will be giving away 100 Lip Butters every day until 4th December. So what are you waiting for? Pop on over for your chance to win!

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Are you embracing berry shades into your winter makeup?

Review: Dr Renaud Peach Hydrating Body Milk

With the change in weather usually comes a change in the condition of my skin. A few weeks ago, our weather went from fairly mild to quite cold very quickly and I certainly noticed the difference in my skin. All of a sudden it was rather lacklustre and dry. I was definitely in the need of a good moisturiser.

I'm not a fan of thicker moisturisers as I find them really heavy and I personally don't like that. I much prefer a lotion that's light and sinks into the skin quickly and effortlessly without leaving it greasy or sticky. Step forward Dr Renaud's Peach Hydrating Body Milk* which is described as an incredibly silky smooth moisturising body lotion which combines the softness of Peach (organic Peach Pulp extract and Peach Butter) with nourishing plant oils (Sweet Almond and Jojoba) and a gourmand moisturising complex (Honey, Pear, Passion fruit and Prickly pear). Intended for use every morning and/or evening depending on your personal preference, this body milk leaves skin appearing more hydrated, softer and suppler and feeling comfortable.

I always apply after showering and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it sinks into the skin. I adore the peach scent which is light and doesn't seem to linger too long after application if you're not a fan of scented products. A little goes a long way and I can see this bottle lasting me a while. Using this body milk has really helped improve the condition of my skin and it has perked it up a treat!

Dr Renaud Peach Hydrating Body Milk (400ml) is available from Dr Renaud for £22.45 (£3.50 P&P) or M&S for £22.50 (£3.50 P&P or free in-store collection)

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Do you have a favourite moisturiser for winter skin?

Blog Sale

Hi everyone! Just a quick heads up about my blog sale! I've popped it all on one page so please feel free to pop over and have a look and snap up some bargains.

I've got so many duplicates and products that just weren't for me so I thought it was about time I offer them to good homes.

The brands range from YSL to Illamasqua to Benefit to MAC and there's a few high street bits and bobs on there too. I've tried to price everything generously but I am open to offers. This stuff is just taking up valuable space after all!

Rules and info are up on the page so have a nosey, leave a comment on the page and I'll do my very best to respond to comments as soon as I can (I am at work today) but I aim to get everything sorted out this weekend so it can be shipped early next week.

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Happy shopping :)

Avon Arctic Goddess Collection

I was recently invited to the launch of Avon's Winter 2012 collection, Arctic Goddess at the very lovely Mayfair Hotel in London with the gorgeous Alesha Dixon, my favourite YouTubers Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo and the talented nail artist Marian Newman.

Sam (left) snapping Nic through the Avon Ice Sculpture!

Alesha Dixon wearing H&M and looking absolutely flipping stunning!

Products

I was lucky enough to receive a goody bag of items from the new collection including the Arctic Goddess Palette*, the three new polishes, the lipgloss and some super cute and yummy snowflake biscuits. I spent a LOT of time checking out the cosmetics counter and a lovely member of the Avon team offered to let me take home and try the new Ideal Flawless foundation as well.

Arctic Goddess Palette

I have never failed to be impressed by the Avon True Colour Shadow Quads. For the price (usually £8.50 full price) the colour payoff and quality is amazing. The Arctic Goddess quad has two light shimmery shades and two darker matte shades. The swatches above are on bare skin. Amazing huh? The shadows apply beautifully and the matte shades are not the slightest bit chalky.

Ultra Colour Rich Brilliance Lip Gloss in Pink Icicle

I have been a fan of Avon glosses since I was in my teens. I had this one gloss that I was obsessed with and repurchased countless times until it was discontinued. They are beautifully glossy, delightfully sweet scented and not in the slightest bit sticky. Pink Icicle* is no different and it'll definitely be stowed away in my handbag this season. I always love a neutral, frosted lip so this is right up my street.

Arctic Goddess Nailwear Pro+ Polishes

L-R: Chilling Teal, Arctic Waters and Green Goddess

I don't own many of the Avon polishes so to see three new shades released with the Arctic Goddess Collection were a nice way to try more. These aren't colours I'd usually go for I'm always up for trying something new and since I saw Leanne's fab Mirrorball mani, I've had a few ideas so keep your eyes peeled for some Arctic Goddess inspired nail posts! Chilling Teal* is a peppermint green with a silver shimmer running through it infused with silver and blue micro glitter. The photos above of Arctic Waters* doesn't really do the polish justice. It's a good solid opaque blue with a metallic blue/silver almost duochrome finish to it. Green Goddess* is a metallic green polish with a beautiful antique gold finish.

Ideal Flawless Foundation

The Ideal Flawless liquid foundation launched toward the beginning of 2012 and is part of the permanent Avon cosmetics range. Ideal Flawless claims to be a full-coverage foundation which creates a virtually undetectable veil of natural-looking, flawless perfection. I wouldn't say this is a full-coverage foundation, its definitely more of a medium coverage that you can build on if required. I liked the finish of the foundation, it wasn't dewy but it wasn't completely matte. It left my skin looking like skin and didn't feel heavy or cakey which is always a bonus. It contains SPF15 so it will help to protect your skin year round. For reference, the shade I have is Light Pink which I do believe was the lightest shade available.

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I'll leave you with this view from the Penthouse Suite!

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Avon's Arctic Goddess Collection launches in November 2012 with prices starting from a very purse-friendly £6.00. Have you seen anything that takes your fancy?