bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Nail Art

A selection of my recent nail art / nail polish looks
 
One thing I always post on my Instagram is nail art photos.
I don’t do it very often on my blog though, unless I’m posting a tutorial.
So I thought it was about time that I showed off some of my recent nail art/nail polish looks.
Red Gloss & Glitter Mix – Maxfactor Red Passion & Barry M #np150
Halloween Black & Orange Glitter Gradient – Barry M #np147 & bornprettystore glitter pen
Holographic – 17 holo nail Silver
Black & Gold Studs – Barry M #np147, Barry M #np289 & Models Own champagne
Gold ‘Caviar’ – Models Own champagne & bornprettystore micro-beads
Black & Gold Studded – Barry M #np147 & bornprettystore micro-beads
As you can see I’ve really been favouring glitter polishes again, as well as using studs (micro-beads).
I try to make time to do my nails at least once a week, however sometimes it’s once a fortnight.
I have so many polishes that I would change them more often if I could, but I try to stick with a design.
Do you make time to do your nails every week?
Which one of my recent nail looks is your favourite?
bloomzy /

Event: Avène & Klorane Bloggers Breakfast

Avène and Klorane Bloggers Breakfast

When I was invited to the Avène and Klorane Bloggers Breakfast I was so excited. I fell in love with Klorane’s dry shampoo earlier this year, and I am a big fan of pretty much all of Avène’s products. The breakfast was held at the gorgeous Delaunay Grand European Cafe Restaurant, in Aldwych – by Covent Garden. The breakfast itself was delicious and there were plenty of yummy treats to choose between, although the mini-pastries were my favourite – I think Sascha of Beauty Geek UK agreed with me on that too. However, the stars of the show were of course, the array of products by Klorane and Avène.

I was introduced to Klorane’s shampoo and conditioners, as well as being given some advice on which product would be best suited for my hair/needs. For me it was Pomegranate (for coloured hair). Also on show were 3 shampoos that will be released early next year into John Lewis stores – more on that at a later date. If you haven’t come across Klorane’s shampoo & conditioners before, they have them for every kind of hair type, and they all smell gorgeous!

I like to think I know my Avène products, just because I’m such a fan…and because I’ve bought so many. I was wrong though, which was actually a nice surprise as I was introduced to some new products I didn’t know about. In particular the Antirougeurs range caught my eye as it offers a variety of products to help combat skin redness. I hadn’t heard of the range, or seen it in any French pharmacies so I was very interested in finding out more. I’m hoping I can get my hands on some soon to review for you all!

You can find my previous posts on Klorane here, and Avène here.

bloomzy /

Rush Hair & Beauty Salon

Rush have over 30 hair and beauty salons across London, and almost as many in the South of England. 

 The individual salons may be unique in their look and style, but each one boasts the same passion and dedication to providing excellent service and of course, a wonderful hair style. The latest edition to the Rush family is the Charing Cross road salon, whereas their flagsip store is in the bustling streets of London’s Piccadilly.  As for the other salons in London, you can find them in Central, North, East, West and South – wherever you are in London, you’re probably closer to a Rush salon than you might think. 
 The lovely people who work at Rush are award winning hairdressers and the crème de la crème of beauty therapists, which may make you feel a bit more comfortable on your first visit.
I always worry about trusting a hairdresser as my hair and it’s health are so important to me, it calms me down a bit more, and definitely helps me put my faith in them. I think quite a few people feel like that, especially if you’re searching for a new hair salon or just wanting to save a bit of money and try somewhere new – so it helps to know that a stylist has won awards. 
 Rush Hairdressers London have been mentioned in Vogue and are a favourite amongst celebrities and models. 
Each visit will offer a person style consultation, making sure you get exactly what you want and need. 
As well as your consultation, you’ll also receive a complimentary head massage, free wine/soft drinks and nibbles. 
 After you’re finished (or if you just need a top up), you can grab products by Shu Uemura, L’Oreal and Keratase. 
It’s definitely the place to go if you want a little bit of luxury! 
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This is a Partner Post
bloomzy /

Review: Trilogy Daily Defence Moisturiser

Trilogy Daily Defence Age Proof Moisturiser with SPF15*

Trilogy is not a new brand to the beauty market, some of you may even remember the review I did earlier in the year of their facial exfoliant. I am a fan of the brand, so I was excited to try out their daily defence moisturiser.
What does it do?
Trilogy say; “This lightweight formula contains a new generation SPF to provide effective UV protection from the sun’s harsh rays, while 100% pure plant oils offer long-lasting hydration for soft, supple skin. Provides the perfect base for make-up.” They also boast that it is used by Strictly Come Dancing’s latest edition, Denise Van Outen.
Does it do it?
Well obviously I can’t comment on the UV protection as Winter has now hit and we barely ever see the sun. However I will take Trilogy’s word for this as I’m always happy to see a moisturiser/foundation that contains an SPF – especially for my pale complexion. As for the perfect base for make-up, I would have to disagree. It goes on slightly dry and needs to be worked in. I didn’t find it much of a base but that may be down to my skin type.
As for my skin, well it is soft & supple.
What is it like?
The texture of the product is quite dry to be honest, and a little like putty. Trilogy have suggested adding a little rose hip oil to the product (with good results). That’s fine if you have some handy, but it’s not ideal for most people.
That aside, for my combination – sensitive skin type this is a wonderful moisturiser. It’s not too rich or creamy and it doesn’t weigh my skin down. I was really impressed as it didn’t cause me to get dry patches or break out, which is always a possibility for me when trying a new moisturiser.
Would I buy it?
The price tag is a bit hefty for me at £28.50 so I don’t think so.
I would consider it if it were slightly cheaper…or I had more money.
You can buy Trilogy’s Daily Defence Moisturiser in Boots stores and online here.
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Another Catch Up

Photos taken from my Instagram: Bloomzy
I like to do these ‘catch up’ posts every now and again, especially now my Instagram widget is gone.
I know some people think ‘pfft Instagram’ but actually I document a lot of stuff on there, so it’s quite useful.
That’s why I like to use my photos in these kind of posts as it shows things that I haven’t shared on the blog.
As you can see I’ve been treating myself to a few of the new MUA items, snuggling with the fiances kitty, wining & dining as well as dressing up fancy for it, taking hot chocolatecoffee breaks, walking my dog, attending events, sharing priceless times with my bestie, and buying the limited edition ‘pink bubbly’ Vaseline for us both.
I will be attending a few events in the next few weeks and I can’t wait to share the photos with you!
bloomzy /

Ted Baker Duo Nail Sets

Now Ted Baker isn’t the first brand I think of going to when I want a new polish.
However these beauties have really caught my eye and changed my opinion on that.
The new Ted Baker Duo Nail Sets come with 2 bottles of polish; a base shade and complimentary glitter shade.
There are 3 sets in the series and although that may not seem like much good ol’ Ted has pretty much covered all the bases. There’s pink, gold and blue to choose between, which I imagine will please most people.
These will easily suit nail polish fans or fans of nail art, as it’s always useful to have a complimentary shade on hand.
I love this idea and I already want to grab a couple of the sets to create a glittery gradient nail.
The blue set has to be my favourite, but I also love the gold. I’m not a fan of pink though so I probably won’t grab that one, although I know plenty of people who will love it. I would personally have liked to see a purple in there too, so here’s hoping these are popular and we see more colours in the future!
Even though these are great for the festive season, you don’t have to worry, they’re not just for Christmas.
You can find them in Boots stores nationwide, and selected Ted Baker stores.
The polishes retail at £8.50 for the set of two.
bloomzy /

Tutorial: Velvet Nail Manicure

How to create an on-trend velvet nail manicure

The last nail tutorial I posted seemed quite successful so I thought I would do another. This time I picked this season’s on-trend velvet nail manicure – made popular on the catwalk. Once again I’m going for the accent nail as I didn’t want to over do it. So here is a simple and easy tutorial for a velvet manicure.

You will need…
1 x Brush
1 x Tweezers
1 x Base Coat (optional)
1 x Nail Polish (in your choice of colour)
1 x Pot of  ‘Velvet’ Powder (in your choice of colour)

How to create the look:
1. If you’ve chosen to use a base coat, apply it to your nails.
2. Take your chosen nail polish and apply a coat to your nails – wait til dry.
3. Take the ‘velvet’ powder and use the tweezers to mix and separate the powder.
4. Apply another coat of polish on your chosen nails and then shake the powder onto the nails.
4. Leave the powder to set and the polish to dry, then use the brush to brush off any excess powder.
5. A top coat is not needed as it would ruin the effect, and the powder will stay on without it.

And that’s it! As always these are just simple, easy steps that you can use as a guideline when creating this effect. You can always mix it up a bit – maybe do all your nails or even try and create a design with the powder. I would recommend laying down some paper to catch the excess powder – it also makes it easier to put back after. Don’t worry if you get it wet, it may look soggy and ruined but after a quick dry it’s back to normal. This is a very subtle type of nail art, especially in such a dark colour, but I really like it.

The nail polish I am wearing is Natural Collection’s ‘Cosmic Crush’, and the Velvet Flocking Powder* was provided by Born Pretty Store – the tweezers and brush are included with all sales of the (separate) powder.

You can buy the nail polish in Boots and the Powder here (use code: BLOOMZYK31 for 10% discount).