Badda Bing, Badda Boom

Hurrah its Friday- so glad its nearly the weekend. My weekend is going to be spent, sorting out all my make up items and cleaning up all my nail polishes (ie getting rid of all the dried crap around it)- sad I  know, but I'm actually looking forward to it. I also have 20 episodes of Cougar Town on my Sky+ to watch too. Woohooo.

Anyway, since the weather up in the North East has kinda been glorious, I thought another Summery nail shade was in order. I first bought this when it was released and all the bloggers had been going crazy over this, however as I had la nail extensions on, it looked wrong. Tbh I'm back in that buying nail polish again craze, which I need to snap out of as I'm supposed to be watching the money this month. That will be stopping from right this minute. So this colour has been overlooked on many occasion. Until now..

Barry M Blue Moon.



Left- natural light, Right- with flash.

Ahem- ignore the state of my cuticals, that will be getting sorted out at the weekend. So blue moon, bluey moonie... hmmm I don't really like you that much. You don't make me feel summery due to your crappy application.

Now you all know my pet hate about nail polish (see post here), and I think this polish has to be the worst offender of the lot- look at the state of my index and middle fingers. They're practically see through, and this is with two coats. I've done a third coat on my little finger and as you can see its still see through, however I could live with this. I'm not going to totally dismiss the polish as an epic fail, I'll try it again with three coats and see how I feel. If I'm still not convinced, I'll palm it off to JEM.

What are your thoughts??

I've now got this stuck in my head

Pennnnnnnnnnnnnnnyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Cannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

1901

Yo yo yo. Today's post title is one of the most summery songs ever by Pheonix, go check it out- its fabulous. One thing I love about JEM is her obsession with nail polish, if we ever want to buy a new Barry M or Models Own nail polish we always check with the other as to whether we have it or not. Baby pinks are not one of those colours I am that fond of, however after seeing pastal shades on loads of your blogs I decided to give this a whirl. Luckily I could call on JEM to borrow this summery shade off.

Barry M Strawberry Ice Cream.

On these pictures I have used two coats, and I am in love with the colour. As raisin face would say "its to DIE for". Like all Barry M colours 2 coats is more than enough, and it drys super quick. However one thing which I do not like about pastel nail polishes from Barry M is how streaky the polish is.

Check out my middle finger- how streaky is this. Also one of my pet hates (which you can see on my ring finger) is when you can see the whites of your nail through a polish. However another coat of polish will easily rectify this problem. I do like this colour, however I don't think I will purchase it myself- I'll just pinch JEM's. Another bonus of this polish is its work friendly.

Speaking of JEM she will be making a return to the blog in the not so distant future.

Dammit Janet- NOTD

Sometimes I think I need to be smacked with a stick- the plan for last night was to upload the pictures onto my laptop ready for today and tomorrow's posts. Yeah so that didn't exactly go to plan.. come half seven that was me out for the night.

Those who are close to me know how much I love my sleep and how I can't cope/function with at least 8 hours of sleep a night. And yes I am known for partaking in an afternoon nap or two. So instead of seeing pictures of the weekend/the suprise I have for you later on in the week you are all going to have to make do with mine and Holly's nail of the hen weekend.

As the theme was Rocky Horror, red nail polish was a must. I was debating whether to use my Opi Red Ayers Rock polish (see review here), however due to it chipping like a good un last time I had it on my natural nails, I remembered I had this polish hidden away in my drawers (also check me out taking pictures for the notd post when I should have been getting ready lol).

Barry M Bright Red

On these pictures I've actually used three coats of the polish as by Saturday morning (I painted them Thursday night) there was signs of wear on the tips of my nails. I really like how glossy the polish comes out- I think with this polish the more coats, the better the shine.

My paint job is a bit dodgy, as I kinda may have fallen asleep (suprise suprise) after painting them, so a couple of my nails have sheet marks on them.  I think because I am so used to the thicker consistency of Models Own polish and being able to get away with one coat, I'm not used to having to build layer upon layer of polish up. However I do love this colour, and as its an in your face red- it does what it says. A top coat is a must with this polish as if you run your nails over some paper etc, the colour does come off.

Think I will be checking to see whether Models Own do any bright red polishes or maybe another drug store brand- any suggestions??

Just one cornetto- NOTD

Busy weekend for me- seriously all the BEAUTIFUL men were out on Saturday night- loving it. 21 days left till TAKE THAT- operation Take That is being planned with military precision. Anyway you may remember on my monthly favourites last week, I mentioned this polish.

Barry M- Berry Ice Cream.

Now for some reason even when I didn't have my nail extensions on I would always steer away from pastal polishes- don't ask me why but I did. I think I am at that stage where I am a bit sick of wearing with nude or dark colours on my nails, hence deciding on putting this colour on. I initally wanted Aqua nails however I felt that they looked a bit stupid with my nail extensions (even though they're filled right down).

I'm really starting to love BM polishes on my extensions- one coat was more than enough as you can see above. I think it may just be this polish as BM Pink Flamingo took two coats, but the consistency was very thick- kinda reminded me of Models Own (not complaining at all mind).

Like all polishes which I have used with my extensions, the colour lasted about 6 days without any signs of wear on the tips. Also it didn't flake off the bottom of my natural nails like most polishes do after a couple of days. All in all- such a fab colour for spring. Going to do a comparison with JEM's Models Own Lilac Dream or whatever it is called.

Also please note I am super busy at work/at home- I will announce the winner of the Mac Giveaway as soon as I can- please be patient- thanks.

Thats just how I roll- April Favourites

Quite excited that even though the diet was to restart today, I've realised that I have an Easter egg on my desk at work. Guess what I'll be munching on later. Some of the items below I'm not really going to talk about as I am in the process of doing reviews on them. If you want any reviews/swatches of the other products let me know below and I'll get on the case. Oh and I will try and get everyone's entries to the giveaway onto a spreadsheet and announce the winner hopefully this week.


So onto my April favourites..

Soap and Glory Greatest Scrub- I recieved this ages ago from JEM and normally like it states use this on my face. However since coming back from Tenerife, I've been suffering from the dreaded peel. As the texture of this is very fine, yet gritty (I love gritty scrubs, the grittier the better- that sounds a bit wrong) I've been using this to get rid of any excess peeling skin. And my tan is still going strong!!.

Liz Earle- Cleanse and Polish- do I really need to rave about this cult product?? All what I will say is that this product has done wonders for my skin, and my face doesn't feel "clean" if I don't use it. Also a tip for you- if you have a spot, put some of this on for about 30mins, wash off and then put sudocream on it. Gets rid of the spot.

Revlon Nutri Creme in Mahogany- I decided to get this product after a blogger commented on Milly's blog saying to try this to keep the colour in her hair. I'm not going to rave much about this here as I am doing a post on how I keep my hair red. I only used this product once after I came back from my holidays and my hairdresser commented on how red it looked and used less dye on my hair. Added bonus.

Versace Crystal Noir- my new favourite perfume. Saw it for 40 euros on holiday, didn't have my visa with me to buy it and duty free didn't sell it. Luckily I managed to steal this bottle off my Mam (I gave her the money for it). Love the smell of this- very summery and it smells like sweets. Next time you go perfume shopping have a sniff of this.

Barry M Berry Ice Cream- I have this as a NOTD post for later on in the week. Summery colour- apt for work- I like.

Maybelline the One mascara- love love love this. I actually prefer this to MF False Lash Effect. Dramatic eyelashes in two coats.

Lovelorn Lippy- my recent back to mac freebie. Fab pink, perfect for summer. Might wear this colour when I'm out at the weekend.

Mac Peachtwist Blush- I bought this from the lovely Charlotte's blog sale. Looks fab with a tan. Plus in some lights it looks like you have bronzer on- save some bronzer.. spot on.

However one product I have HATED this month...

Barry M Peach Melba- I did the 4 nails and decided it was rank.

Cheeky plug- If anyone wants to buy this £2 including p+p comment below if  your interested.

Right my lunch is finished- its chocolate time!! xx

NOTD- Barry M Pink Flamingo

Before Models Own came onto the scene and stole both mine and JEM's hearts- Barry M was my favourite nail polish brand. Since having my nail extensions on (they're still going strong from the beginning of December), I have only used Models Own or OPI on my nails.

Infills were done the week I went on holiday ready for going away as in the last month they had grown like wildfire, and when my nails are a certain length I hate wearing bright colours on it as I feel they make my man hands look massive. As my nails (and hair) grow like wildfire in the sun, Jill kindly cut my nails right down to what I think is the pefect length (ie I can get my contacts in/out without blinding myself).

As I needed to get some holiday nails- it was only apt I reached for this beauty- Barry M Flamingo Pink..

This always used to be my go to colour for a night out- pre nail extensions. Very impressed with the application of this on my extensions- and one coat is more than enough. Ignore the wear on the tip of my nails as these pictures were taken on the last day of the holiday.

Check out the regrowth. Love how glossy the nail polish is.

However.... Hawiian Tropic suntan lotion does not like nail polish.

It decided to melt the polish and it did the same to Jill's Opi and W7 polishes which she was wearing too (her nails are au naturel).

Whats your favourite holiday nail polish?? xx

March Favourites

So for the month of March- bar a night out at the start of the month, I haven't really been using many make up/products as I normally do. Therefore for this month I have decided to share my holiday must haves/favourites, some of which you have previously seen on here. Now I know I don't do FOTD posts, however when I share my OOTD posts, I will mention the products which I have used. Also I haven't had any make up on in over a week- what is happening to me??

I am also suffering from cottage cheese brain today- so I'm warning you in advance...

Benefit Coralista- now this didn't work on my cheeks for the first 3 days due to being burnt, however once my face settled down- this really complimented the tan. Think I may be reaching for this over my beloved Mac Melba blush for my upcoming nights out. I also had Mac Pinch o' Peach blush with me however with a tan/red cheeks you couldn't see it at all. Kinda wish I had brought Posey with me.

Mac Bronzer in Refined Golden- wore this every night, you know how much I love my bronzer- I think this needs to be relabled as a HG product for me.

2true liquid eyeliner- I really need to learn how to apply liquid eyeliner properly. After watching Julie's fab youtube tutorial on her college ball make up, I have been applying this with a Mac 219 (the really fine brush if that number is wrong) brush, and I think I may actually be getting the hint. Bought this on a whim in Superdrug and I am really impressed with the lasting power.

17 Wild Curls Mascara- now I initally loved this mascara the first few times I have used it, however since I've noticed its really clumpy on the brush. Bit of a pain to have to clean most of the product off the brush before putting it on, however I do like the effect it gives after about 5 coats. Just bought Maybelines the one mascara to try instead.

Mac Cut a Caper Lippy- I bought this off the lovely Ellie and this was the colour I'd been wearing most nights (when it wasn't living in the fridge as I was paranoid about it melting). However due to the hospital incident this was replaced from Thursday with the chapstick. Note- nude lippy (Gosh Darling) does not look good with a red face.

Dior Addict Ultragloss in 256- I've had this for ages and only really used it while I was away on the Monday night. Really like this lipgloss, and the colour is true to the bottle.

My Mac palette- my baby. I nearly kicked off in Newcastle Airport as when my bag was getting searched for the hidden explosives- the security guard swiped it and then threw it upside down on top of my bag. Oh the pain is coming back now- it was like someone had kicked me in the lady parts. Luckily nothing was damaged or there would have been hell to pay. I am going to do a post soon about my mac pallette and why it is arranged the way it is- in a nut shell (bar vanilla and arctic grey and soon to be all that glitters) if you look down each row it basically is a variation on a smokey eye. When I do my outfit posts I will mention what eyeshadows I have used (I have a weird memory for things like that).

Label M Sea Salt Spray- I hate using heat on my hair (bar a hairdryer) when I am away especially as my hair is coloured and I don't want to damamge it. So on a night after washing my hair, I would spray heat protector on, then some of this, tie it up in a top knot and either let it dry itself or blow dry it for curly hair. Also as I avoided the pool (mainly due to the typical british lads abroad idiots around it), my hair has come back in good condition for once.

Hawaiian Tropic Body Butter- you know the score with this, smells like holidays and it keeps your skin hydrated. Kept this in the fridge so it was uber cold.

Barry M Pink Flamingo- holiday notd to come on this. Moving on...

Kiehl's Face Cream- excellent to keep my face hydrated. Only used this Sunday-Wednesday night (all will be revelled later in the week), like the HT this was kept in the fridge. Came in handy for the holiday however I won't be repurchasing this.

Medicated Chapstick- one of my HG products, love love love. Shame it doesn't have spf in it though :(

Marc Jacobs Daisy- this is normally my "throw it in my work bag and forget about it" perfumes, however in a bid to start using my perfumes up, I took this away with me. Definately would recommend this as a holiday scent. This this bottle is never ending as it doesn't seem like it wants to go down.

So thats my March/Holiday favourites- don't forget to enter the mac giveaway (post below the one below).

NOTD- smurftastic

Quick nail of the day from me MUA shade 9 or as I like to call it "smurf blue". As you are all aware MUA is a £1 brand of make up in Superdrug, now I normally think the range is value for money- bar the nail polish. The bottle is teeny tiny.

Regardless of the size I am totally in love with this polish and love how it makes an outfit "pop" so to speak (I don't like it under Barry M effects though).

Please ignore my st tropez oompa loompa hands- I took the picture before washing my tan off.

As you can tell its practically a dupe for Barry M's Cobalt blue.

Picture kindly borrowed from Steph's blog (go show her some love here please).

What are your thoughts on MUA polish??

Don't forget the blog has a Formspring if you want to ask any questions xx

Goodies from Sabina

Hey loves, hope you have all had a fab Monday (worst day of the week is over with). I recently won Sabina from Make Up Addict's giveaway, and I want to share with you all the fab goodies I won.

First up- 6 (yes 6) Barry M Dazzledusts. Now I have to admit I have never ever used loose powder eyeshadow before even though my best mate swears by them. I am now a convert.

Is it me or does my arm look a bit weird on this? Anyway back to the colours- we have number 53, 24 (brilliant to use as a highlighter), 102 (has red/purple glitter in this), 94, 98 (blue/green glitter in this) and 44 (another excellent highlighter). I think my life is now complete I have these in them.

Next up is some ELF eyeshadow quads- really like the texture and the staying power of these little beauties.

Pretty N'Pink (can you tell this is the one I keep in my bag at work), Rocker and Drama.

Also I got some Barry M Polishes

Berry Ice Cream (very similiar to JEMs MO Lilac Dream), Mushroon and Coral.

Finally and I am so grateful to Sabina for putting these in her giveaway is Benefit's Coralista and The Body Shop's Blush in 01.

Coralista is on the left, Body Shop on the right. I can't stop using coralista atm.


So a massive thank you to Sabina for sending me all these goodies, and if your not following Sabina's blog go do so pronto. You will be amazed/jealous of how fab her make up is- I want to be able to do my eyeshadow as good as her.

xxxx