Nail Polish Storage



It's been a long time since my last blog post. This is mainly due to being busy with work (closing, refitting and opening of our brand spanking new store), being a little disheartened with the lack of blog comments, and being a little bit lazy if I'm honest!

 

Nevertheless, I'm back with something exciting to blog about... My new nail polish storage!

 

 

I've always loved the idea of having my nail polish out on display but wasn't sure how to do it without it looking messy. My storage before this was a shoebox full of polish with little painted dots on top of each bottle so I could see what colours I had. I picked up these aluminium handles from Ikea, a pack of 2 for £11. I love that my polishes out of the way but I can still see what colours I have at a glance and they add a nice bit of colour to my otherwise plain bedroom walls.

 

 

How do you store yours?

 

 

Rachel - x

 

 



To Prime Or Not To Prime?

 

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer - £6.99

 

I've been toying with the idea of buying a primer for quite some time now. I was dubious whether it would make a difference to the finish of my makeup, or just act like a moisturiser. After trying my friends Smashbox primer a few times, and loving the long lasting effect it had on my makeup, I decided to look out for a cheap primer to try. Whilst browsing in Superdrug, I came across this Rimmel primer, which claims to smooth, resurface, brighten, mattify, protect and prolong foundation wear. I thought this was a lot to ask from a budget, drugstore primer but I was pleasantly surprised with the results it gave me. I applied it after allowing my moisturiser to soak in and it left my face feeling silky soft and hydrated. My foundation seemed to glide on more smoothly over the primer and although I used the same amount of foundation as usual, my makeup somehow felt lighter, pores appeared reduced, my makeup had a much better finish to it and stayed matte for longer. Needless to say I'm very impressed with the product, especially considering the price tag!

 

Do you use a primer? Are high end brands better in your opinion?

 

 

Rachel - x



 

Glamour Magazine Freebies #1

 

My favourite magazine AND a Percy & Reed freebie? Would be rude not to right?

 

I love Glamour; I buy it almost every month, so how could I refuse this month when it included a Percy & Reed freebie for the usual cost of only £2? There is a choice of Volumising No Oil Oil for fine hair, Colour & Shine Shampoo, Colour & Shine Conditioner or Finishing Polish. Or if you feel spoilt for choice you can collect all four products for only £8!

 

I chose the Percy & Reed Colour & Shine 100ml Conditioner, as I have many oils/ serums and finishing products already, and you can never have too much conditioner in my opinion. Especially if you suffer with dry, damaged hair like myself :( The conditioner promises to 'give coloured hair spectacular shine and glorious glossiness.' It contains raspberry oil, white grape seed oil and aloe vera gel. I haven't tried the conditioner yet but I'm really looking forward to it. I've previously tried the Percy & Reed Totally TLC Hydrating Mask, an indulgent, nourishing hair mask, that I also purchased as a Glamour freebie last year and loved it! It made my hair feel soft, moisturised and much more manageable - great value for just £2!

 

Will you be purachasing glamour this month? Which freebie will you choose?

 

 

Rachel - x

Soap & Glory Haul

I have been lusting after Soap & Glory products since the very first time I passed the section in Boots. I was drawn in by its pretty, retro packaging, gimmicky product names and humorous branding. However, I refrained from purchasing and continued to use my cheaper branded lotions and potions. Until... At Christmas I received the 'Soap & Glory Best Of All' set, containing 9 full sized products. So here's what was included in the set, along with my thoughts on each product.

 

Clean On Me Creamy Shower Gel

A thick, fruity scented showel gel which can be lathered all over the body or poured into a hot, running bath. The shower gel has 'natural mandarin peel extract and bonus built-in body lotion', which leaves you feeling super clean, moisturised and smelling gorgeous!

Smoothie Star Deep Moisture Body Milk

I have been smothering myself in this every day since Christmas! It has an irresistable almonds, oats and brown sugar scent and soaks into the skin super fast leaving it feeling soft and moisturised but not greasy. The pump mechanism makes for fast and easy application and is also more economical, as one pump goes a long way!

 Sugar Crush Body Scrub

There's nothing like a good scrub to leave you feeling exceptionally clean and soft. I like to use this scrub once a week with an exfoliating glove to get rid of dry/dead skin (ew)! Key ingredients include smashed brown sugar & sweet lime, almond oil and macadamia grains. I love the refreshing, citrus scent of this product - definitely the best scrub I've tried.

 

The Righteous Butter

Another gorgeous scented Soap & Glory product which smells good enough to eat! 'With softening shea butter and aloe vera'. I find this one to be more rich than the body milk and the consistency is thicker and slightly greasier - good for the days when your skin might need a little extra TLC. I usually use this body butter once a week after having a good old scrub.

 

 

Hand Food Hydrating Hand Cream

This sweet smelling, hydrating, non-greasy hand cream has been a saviour for my dry, thirsty hands over the cold winter months. The cream instantly soaks in, leaving silky soft hands, even after washing! 'With shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow.'

 

Heel Genius Foot Cream

Key ingredients in this potion are allantion, glycerin, macadamia oil, menthol, bilberry, orange & lemon fruit acid smoothers. The smell is hard to describe but doesn't resemble the usual fruity Soap & Glory scent. Nevertheless, the scent isn't bad and the cream works magic!

 

 

Peaches And Clean Deep Cleansing Milk

As the name suggests, this cleanser smells just like peaches! It claims to purify, energize and melt away makeup - and it does exactly that. It melts away makeup with just one pump and leaves skin feeling clean, soft and completely refreshed.

 

Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara

I love a fat mascara brush and this is one of my favourites. I have quite short, fine lashes and this mascara definitely helps to give the illusion of longer, thicker, jet black lashes. I also find that my mascaras tend to dry out quickly and I end up dipping the brushes I like into other mascaras to prolong their lifespan. Not this one! It seems to be lasting forever! (Not that I'm complaining) :)

 

Sexy Mother Pucker Lipgloss

I have to be honest, I'm not a fan of this lipgloss. The colour is lovely; a bright, summery pink, but the gloss is very sticky and uncomfortable. The 'superfill lip plumping speres and lipswell volume boost technology' create a tingling sensation that I find really uncomfortable and therefore have not used this lipgloss again. Good job I don't need a lip plumping gloss ey?

 

 

 All in all I was hugely impressed by this Soap & Glory gift set and will definitely be continuing to use these amazing scented, high quality lotions and potions!

 

What's your favourite Soap & Glory product?

 

 

Rachel - x

 

Valentine's Inspired Nails

 

If there's one thing I like about Valentine's Day (other than sale chocolates the day after) it's the chance to get creative with a bit of nail art :)

 

To create this look, I used Red Carpet Manicure's LED Gel polish in 'Draped in Rubies' for the base colour and Leighton Denny's 'Pure White' for the nail art hearts. Draped in Rubies is a deep, luxurious, sparkling red, available from redcarpetmanicure for £12.95. I bought their professional LED kit when it was on 'today's special value' from QVC but it's also available to buy from redcarpetmanicure. From the very first application I fell head over heels with the gel and have rarely reverted back to using a normal nail polish since. I love the salon quality results I can achieve with every application. My nails are smooth, shiny and chip resistant for up to 2 weeks!

To create the white love hearts, I simply drew little V shapes on my ring finger's, using a cocktail stick.

Done any Valentine's inspired nail art yourself? Leave a link to your blog and I'll check it out :)

 

 

Rachel - x

50 Random Facts About Me

1. I feel naked if my nails are without polish.

 

2. When I’m at home I live in my pyjamas.

 

3. I have 1 tattoo.

 

4. I have 4 piercings.

 

5. Cotton wool makes me cringe, as does raw meat.

 

6. I love a good rom-com but also into my action films.

 

7. I won’t let anyone see me without makeup on, unless I love them.

 

8. I never used to paint my toe nails, now I can’t stand to see them unpainted.

 

9.  I hate sleeping out (I’m a big home bird).

 

10. I love animals, especially dogs.

 

11. I love going to zoos/ sea life centres.

 

12. My jaw clicks everytime I move it.

 

13. I have never been on a proper date.

 

14. I come across quiet but if I’m comfortable around you I won’t shut up.

 

15. I worry about my future.

 

16. I’m very forgiving but I don’t easily forget.

 

17. I don’t believe in horoscopes but everytime I come across mine I read it anyway.

 

18. Sometimes I feel like the only girl in the world who hasn’t thought about/ planned my wedding day.

 

19. I love mini adventures/ days out/ long drives.

 

20. I have an irrational fear of moths. Butterflies are no better!

 

21. I love reality T.V. Big Brother, TOWIE, Made In Chelsea, Geordie Shore, Jersey Shore etc.

 

22. My favourite chocolate is a Cadbury’s Crème Egg – I once got a box of 50 for Christmas.

 

23. I secretly wish that one day someone will surprise me with a bunch of flowers.

 

24. I believe a cup of tea and a hot bubble bath can make almost anything seem better.

 

25. I love a cheesy musical. Les Miserables is now my all time favourite!

 

26. I’m very organised and enjoy writing lists so I can tick things off as I do them – sad I know!

 

27. I’m genuinely unsure of what my natural hair colour is.

 

28. I like being tanned but the smell and stickiness of fake tan disgusts me, so I’m usually pale.

 

29. No matter how late it is or how tired/ drunk I am, I will always wash my face and brush my teeth before bed.

 

30. I have 2 dogs and a budgie.

 

31. I’m 22.

 

32. I’m the middle child – I have an older sister and younger brother.

 

33. I love testing out new beauty products and nail polishes.

 

34. I currently work as a lingerie consultant.

 

35. I love holidays. What’s better than sun, sea and sand?

 

36. I have a slight obsession with leopard print.

 

37. Everytime I walk into a shop I bypass the clothes and head straight for the accessories.

 

38. Going to the dentist freaks me out – but I suck it up!

 

39. I love face masks and try use one once a week.

 

40. I also try to exfoliate my whole body once a week.

 

41. I enjoy cooking recipes within my comfort zone but don’t like experimenting.

 

42. I believe everything happens for a reason, to help us learn and become stronger, better people.

 

43. I can drive but I have no car.

 

44. I love pasties. Anything pastry related is a winner for me.

 

45. Although I love splurging on cosmetics from time to time, I’m usually a saver not a spender.

 

46. I love hummus and practically anything with garlic in it.

 

47. I have wanted to start blogging for a long time but always put myself off it.

 

48. My main goal in life is to be happy and successful in whatever it is I do.

 

49. I hate horror films. Why anyone would want to be scared out of their wits end is beyond me.

 

50. It’s taken me far too long to write this!

I hope you enjoyed getting to know 'the girl behind the blog' better. I've really enjoyed reading other blogger's 50 Random Facts About Me posts so please feel free to leave a link to yours in the comments :)

Rachel - x

 



February Wish List

If you're anything like me (and use being single on the dreaded V-day as an excuse to buy everything on your wish list) then being single isn't going to save you any pennies this month! It will however prevent you from buying naff, overpriced cards, teddies, chocolates, and enable you to treat yourself to something much more alluring! So here's my February wish list to banish the Valentine's blues :)

 

1. I love... Strawberries & Milkshake Bath Creme - £2.05 Superdrug
A thick, creamy bubble bath with an extremely tantalising aroma.
 

2. The Sofia Bag by Mark B** - £35 Topshop
Sold out?! But I need this bag! I love the tan colour, the buckle detail and interior leopard print lining.

3. Fluffy Towels Medium Jar Candle - £16.99 Yankee Candle
'The world's best loved candle.' A pretty jar with a heavenly scent, even when not lit.

4. Nike Blazer Mid Burgundy Trainers - £70 Asos
I haven't worn a pair of trainers for several years! But lately I've been on the look out for a comfy pair of high tops and think these are just what I've been looking for. Only problem is, they seem to be out of stock eveywhere! Any ideas where I can get my mitts on a pair of these?

5. Rimmel Apocolips Lip Lacquer - £5.99 Superdrug
With all the beauty bloggers raving about this product, I believe it's imperitive to try it for myself. But which shade to choose?

6. Essie Nail Polish Fiji - £7.99 Superdrug
An elegant, opaque, creamy, pale pink shade. Perfect for V-day nails!


Rachel - x