bloomzy /

[Nail Week] Review: Glitter Nail Art Brushes

Glitter Nail Art Brushes*

Nail art pens and brushes are some of the easiest ways to create a variety of designs.
I’ve experimented with pens in the past, and I think they’re great but some can be a little awkward to use.
So this time I tried out some glitter nail art brushes, just to see if I could get on any easier with them.
These particular ones come in a set of 9; red-pink, purple, blue, orange, green, 2x gold, 2x silver.
There are two for each silver and gold as one is a thin glitter, and one has bigger pieces.
Please note it is very hard to photograph glitter polish – the effect is much better in person.

Creating a gradient effect with the glitter nail art brushes.

Pros:
+ Easy to use
+ Glitter goes on well
+ Colours are vibrant
+ My favourite colours are orange, blue and gold

Cons:
– Can be slightly gloopy
– Takes time to dry
– Has a VERY strong smell (nail polish chemical smell)

Notes:
I really loved the effect I created with these, but I wonder if I’d be able to create more intricate designs with them.
I think if you want something for simple designs (stripes, gradients, polka dots etc) these are great.
However if you wanted to draw with these then I would say it’s probably going to be difficult, and pens would be a better solution. That said, I thought the glitter went on well and it was easy to apply, especially compared to some of the pens I’ve used. The drying time was slightly longer than a nail polish, which is probably due to the ‘gloopy’ formula. 
You can buy these Glitter Nail Art Brushes here.
Or browse BornPrettyStore for other colours in the range.
10% off with code: BLOOMZYK31
bloomzy /

[Nail Week] Review: Ylin Colour Changing Nail Polish

Ylin Colour Changing Nail Polish*

Here is the next post from ‘Nail Week’, introducing a colour changing nail polish!
This probably sounds like a bit of a gimmick, but I was seriously impressed with it.
I haven’t been a fan of the cracked polish & magnetic polish looks, so this is my fad of the Summer.

 

As you can see from the photos above the nail polish changes colour when exposed to different temperatures.
At room temperature the nail polish has a nice gradient effect to it – this bottle is a blue base with purple gradient tips.
When it’s warm (see circled nail) the polish reverts back to blue and finally when it’s cold the polish changes to purple – I only placed the tips of my fingers in the freezer to quicken the process, that’s why it’s more of a gradient in the photo.
Oh, and don’t worry about the white dot on one of the nails – I caught it when applying the polish.
Pros:
+ I loved the gradient effect
+ Opaque in one coat
+ Fun and a bit of a party trick
Cons:
– Matte finish
– You don’t have much control over how/when the colour changes
Notes:
It is a novelty, but I found it fun to wear a colour changing nail polish.
The fact that you can achieve a simple gradient effect without having to spend hours on your nails, or use various sponges etc. is worth buying this polish alone. Of course depending on the temperature you don’t have much control over the look of your polish, but I didn’t find that too bothersome, actually it was quite fun checking up on my nails during the day to see if they had changed. As for the matte finish, I felt a bit sad about that, but I guess it’s down to the formula.
The price isn’t too bad either at around £5 (with free shipping).
ETA: Yes, a glossy topcoat can be applied and it will still change colour. I did it with a Barry M topcoat.
You can buy the blue/purple Ylin Colour Changing Nail Polish here.
Or browse BornPrettyStore for other colours in the range.
10% off with code: BLOOMZYK31
bloomzy /

[Nail Week] Review: Dear Lee Gold Multicoloured Glitter Nail Polish

Dear Lee Gold Multicoloured Glitter Polish*
Those who follow me on Twitter will know that I have dubbed this week on the blog; ‘Nail Week’.
Why? Well this week’s beauty posts will all be related to nails – polishes, art etc.
So here is the first post for ‘Nail Week’, a review of my new favourite Glitter polish, from Dear Lee.
Dear Lee isn’t a well-known nail polish brand, but they’re one of my favourites.
Their polishes have a great consistency, apply well, are long lasting and have great cover.
This polish is no different, and for fans of glitter polishes (like myself), you won’t be disappointed.
Pros:
+ Thick consistency for a glitter polish
+ Good application
+ Glitter showed up well
+ Loved the rainbow sequins used
+ Works well with various base colours
+ Removed easily with nail polish remover

Cons:
– Gold could have been more prominent
– Doesn’t look great with a white base coat

Notes:
If American Apparel’s Galaxy Glitter & Models Own’s Gold Finger had a baby, this would be it.
This is the glitter polish I have been waiting for. I haven’t been able to find a rainbow glitter with a gold glitter base anywhere. I’m sure I’ve seen plenty but not at a price I can justify for a nail polish. The price for this? Around £2.70 ($4.22)! That is a ridiculously good price, especially when shipping is free. As you can see from the photos above, I tried it out with a dark base, a white base and on plain nails. I’m not a massive fan of how it looks on a white base coat but I am in love with it paired with the other two. I can tell that this will be worn A LOT.
You can buy Dear Lee’s Gold Multicoloured Glitter Polish here.
Or browse BornPrettyStore for other colours in the range.
10% off with code: BLOOMZYK31
bloomzy /

Review: Naked Skin Face Wash

Naked Skin Bare Faced Cheek Softening Face Wash, with Rose Oil – For Sensitive Skin*

Naked is probably a brand you’ve all heard of, either for their hair or skin care.
Their products boost that they are 97% natural (the rest are preservatives etc.), with some of their products even being 99.5% natural. The main point being: their products do not include parabens, sulphates or petrochemicals. Naked are a brand known for their honesty as well as their products.
The Bare Faced Cheek Softening Face Wash uses rose oil which is extra soft on the skin, and has an amazing smell to it – I’m not kidding you, I can’t get enough of it! I was drawn to this as someone with sensitive, combination skin and I was not disappointed.
Pros:
+ Very gentle on the skin
+ Leaves my skin soft
+ Doesn’t dry out my skin
+ It’s a massive bottle.
+ Only £4.49!
Cons:
– Doesn’t combat spots specifically (on my skin)
Notes:
Ok, I felt like I was reaching a bit on the cons there.
Of course no one is going to expect a face wash to combat spots (unless it claims to) by itself, but I just couldn’t find anything else to be negative about…even then I’m not upset about it. This is my new favourite face wash! I can’t use regular soaps as they dry my skin out, and since this is made for sensitive skin I had no worries. I’ve been using this day and night, as part of my regular skin care regime and I’m very happy with the results. I also had to mention one last time just how much I adore the scent – so if you’re a fan of rose scented products you need to try this out.
Unfortunately it is currently sold out, but keep an eye out here.
You can also browse Naked’s other products here.
bloomzy /

Guest Post: Re-Buy or Buh-Bye? Avon Anew Rejuvenate

Today the lovely Charlotte of Musha-Moi will be guest posting. She has been kind enough to share an original post from her ‘Re-Buy or Buh-Bye?’ series. She will be reviewing the Avon Anew Rejuvenate Revitalizing 2-in-1 Gel Cleanser – enjoy!

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Re-Buy or Buh-Bye? Avon Anew Rejuvenate Revitalizing 2-in-1 Gel Cleanser

Up until about a year ago I’ve been quite happy washing my face with soap…I know..shock horror… I actually washed my face with soap! In my defence though didn’t get what al the fuss was about when people would vow never to wash their face with a bar of soap – soap is for cleaning…my face needed cleaning…soap seems like a pretty viable product to use. around about a year ago my sister became an Avon rep and introduced me to the wonders of Anew products (yes they’re anti-ageing and yes I’m only 24 but I’m not going to get into the whole “why use anti-ageing products?’ thing now). She gave me a little starter kit of Anew Rejuvinate products, the kit is marketed as a 2 week trial kit with enough of the products to use everyday, morning and night (they are very generous with the sizes as I managed to make mine last at least 4 weeks using it religiously!). The cleanser is the same consistency as shower gel and it has small beads in it, the directions say to work a small amount into damp skin until the beads dissolve, it produces a good foam and you can feel it working on your skin almost immediately! It makes it tingle slightly (but not in a cooling menthol way as some cleansers do) it’s hard to explain but it just feels like you can feel it lifting all the nasties from your skin.

After rinsing it off my skin feels smoother and softer and any spots that may be brewing feel slightly reduced (it doesn’t stop spots coming to a head if they do develop but it does help reduce the dull ache you sometimes get from the particularly nasty ones).
Re-Buy or Buh-Bye? Re-Buy – I LOVE this cleanser! I’ve just finished my last tube of it and already have another on order, I’m trying to work my way through my sample drawer at the moment and have a few other cleansers to try out but I can’t wait to get back to using this!
bloomzy /

Guest Post: Top 5 Nail Polishes for Summer

Today the wonderful Sophia of Tattooed Tealady will be guest posting. I’m very happy to have her guest posting on the blog today and I can’t wait for you all to read all about her nail picks for this Summer – enjoy!

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I’m very happy to be writing this guest post for the lovely Emma today! 
I am going to be sharing with you my top five nail polishes for summer.

Over here in the UK there isn’t much sun this summer. In fact after warnings of a water shortage and an expected drought, we’ve actually had the opposite, with torrential rain & flooding throughout the UK. Horrible, horrible weather! I like to think that when the weather is dull & glum the best thing to do is brighten yourself up & add a little bit of colour to your life! Particularly where nails are concerned, as you can make such a colour impact with the right choice of nail colour!
The five nail polishes I think are best for brightening up your summer are:
Models Own Tropical Sun
Models Own Indian Ocean
Models Own Mystic Mauve
Bourjois shade 26
Max Factor Fantasy Fire
4 of my 5 summer polishes have a glimmer effect to them. I think polishes like this are great for catching bits of sunshine and giving off a beautiful sparkling effect, making your nails look hypnotic! The Bourjois polish is a nice mix of pink and purple! I like both pinks and purples, but I prefer when they are a little mix of both, rather than your standard pink!

You can wear these polishes alone, or combined, or even use one to finish a look by using it on your accent nail. Nail polish is a remarkable thing, allowing you to create a variety of looks!
Here are my top tips for keeping your nails and nail polish in tip top condition:

Look after your nails! I use a hand cream and cuticle butter throughout the day and especially before bed. It keeps my hands, nails and cuticles in great condition leaving my hands and fingers looking and feeling lovely. A moisturising hand lotion is best, and I recommend Lush Lemony Flutter for a brilliant cuticle butter which not only does an amazing job, but smells divine and lasts an absolute age!
File your nails often. If you keep your nails nicely filed they will stay in better condition and are less likely to break or become uneven. A perfect nail file for this is the S-file!
Give your hands and nails a little pamper! You can easily give yourself a mini-manicure at home. All you need is a bowl with warm water to soak your hands in, a nail buffer, a nail file and your hand cream and cuticle butter! I do mine about once a week! You can easily pick up mini-manicure kits on the high street or even online!
Use a base coat and top coat. A base coat will stop your nail polishes from staining your nails and a top coat will keep your nail polish in place, preventing it from chipping. I also like to run each along the edge of the nail too, to seal it all in.
I hope you have enjoyed my little guest post! 
A huge thank you to Emma for letting me do it!
You can find my blog (here) and Twitter (here).
I can also be found on many other social networking sites which you can find on my blog!
Have a lovely day!
Love, Sophia xo
bloomzy /

Review: Panache Lingerie

Panache Superbra – Ariza in Violet Mix*

Recently I was contacted to review a bra for British lingerie brand Panache.
Another brand offering small sizes to those for larger women, starting from AA-KK.
However their speciality is lingerie aimed at D+ sizes, and this is where myself and a few other bloggers stepped in to review one of their lovely pieces. I choose the Ariza Balconette Bra.
Now to be honest with you, I wasn’t too sure why I choose the Ariza Balconette to begin with.
I’m not a fan of this type of bra (I also own another from a high-end department store that is not so comfortable), nor am I really a fan of orange and purple together. I had convinced myself I would dislike it straight away.
HOWEVER when the bra arrived I was pleasantly surprised. The colours looked much better and brighter in person, and the material felt very soft. I was also surprised at how comfortable the bra is. Like I said I’m not a fan of balconettes due to them being a bit uncomfortable and not offering much support – but this one is amazing. It basically feels like I’m wearing invisible support. It also fit perfectly, which I was surprised about as my size tends to vary in different stores.
And finally, I love how this bra looks on me, and my breasts!
I was even tempted to take a photo in it, that’s how much I love it.
However I decided not to scare you all half to death so early in the morning with photos of my bosom.
You’ll just have to take my word for it. This bra is comfortable, pretty and offers plenty of support.
You can browse the Panache Lingerie store here.