Bank Holiday Beauty Fix

So, it's just been payday & it's the August bank holiday weekend. This means one thing & one thing only...beauty splurge (especially considering Boots have a 10 points per £1 offer on at the moment - we know I'm a sucker for advertising). 

As per I couldn't resist Essie but this time I splurged on a new shade 'Tart Deco' & an all important top coat which will help me keep my nails in good condition for longer, so technically it's an economical investment. 

I bought this shade in prep for my holiday in a few weeks, it'll look great in the sun. The top coat will also help keep my toes in tack during all my sight seeing I have planned. See, I told you it made sense!

Essie in Tart Deco - £7.99, Essie Top Coat - £8.99 both from Boots

Kathy x

What's On Your Dressing Table?

Okay, so I might have given my dressing table a quick tidy before taking these pictures but in general I'm a really organised person & believe organisation is key to success in anything - especially getting ready in the mornings. So here I give you an insight to my dressing table essentials...

Make Up Brushes - I like to keep my brushes in order in this little beauty from Ikea, it's handy for reminding me to clean my brushes regularly as they're always on view.

Jewellery Box - Even my jewellery box gets it's own organisation (I know, I'm starting to sound a little obsessive). I don't know about you but I hate trying to untangle necklaces and bracelets so I like to keep everything in order which also keeps everything in better condition for longer, win win!

Nail Varnishes - If you hadn't noticed by now I have an unhealthy obsession with Essie...

Benefit Eye Sets - Again, another unhealthy obsession. Benefit makes up the majority of my make up bag. These sets are so easy to use, last forever & have really clear instructions to creating striking looks.

Simple Face Wipes - These badboys are my saviour after a night out. I'm a firm believer in the importance of removing your make up before bed & these are the perfect option when I can't be bothered to go through my long, usual routine.

Lipsticks - Red lips are my thing & naturally just one shade of red is not adequate...

Bunny Ring Holder - When I saw these bunnies in the Urban Outfitters sale I literally could not resist (despite my overdraft putting up a fight). They're practical as well as pretty.

Daisy By Marc Jacobs - My signature scent, one bottle is simply not enough of this delightful fragrance! (Joke - I stocked up while I was in duty free).

Venetian Mask - As well as organisation I like things looking pretty. This mask was a gift from my best friend Jack who brought it back from Venice for me - yeah I know, I have a-mazing friends.

Aussie Hair Mousse & Spray - They make my hair smell amazing. Enough said.

Kathy x

Essie Sleek Stick Review

It may not have gone unnoticed that I'm a huge Essie fan, I change the colour of my nails on an almost daily basis. Having heard a lot about the Sleek Stick nail art by Essie I was excited to give them a go even if it wasn't my usual thing. Each pack comes with a variety of stickers so you're sure to find a size to fit your nails (obviously we're all different and universal fake nails never fit me properly, I'm already impressed!).

What to do...

1. Make sure you have squeaky clean hands & nails.

2. Find the sticker that fits your chosen nail (this should be pretty easy seeing as you have 9 sizes to choose from) & stick on making sure it rests just above your cuticle.

4. Bend the sticker over the end of your nail & using the file provided file away the excess sticker until you get the shape you're after.

4. Simply repeat this another 9 times!

The Verdict: While I love the fact I didn't need to hang around waiting for my nails to dry (In which time I always end up smudging them & having to start again) the stickers felt quite heavy on my nails which I found slightly irritating as the day went on, especially when I was at work doing practical things like making cups of tea for my boss (ahem). In all seriousness though, I love how this is a easy, cheap way to achieve a high standard of nail art I just think I might stick to the standard Essie polishes in the future. What can I say, I'm a traditionalist at heart.

Kathy x

Product of the Week

Being a massive fan of Essie (If you hadn't noticed already) the product of the week which we highly recommend during this sunny spell is 'Cute as a Button' nail polish in this beaut coral colour. It's vibrant and summery but even better coral makes you look more tanned. We do love a good beauty elusion.

The French Manicure Is Back (Again)

Okay, so the French Manicure is always in fashion but this s/s season it really is back in fashion. Everyone is raving about it (including us) as it's a refreshing change from the bright candy colours & in-your-face nail art of winter.

Our personal fave is this affordable & fresh looking Essie polish in Vanity Fairest (£7.99)

Our recommendations for the perfect French Manicure...

Essie (same as above), Chanel Le Vernis in Emprise (£18) & Kure Bazaar in Milk (£15).