Monday 30 December 2013

Nails - Orly Star Spangled

For Christmas I wanted to wear something festive on my nails, so decided to go for Star Spangled from Orly which I got free with Cosmopolitan in the December 2013 edition.

Again my photography skills does not do this justice, but the below is slightly better.
I would describe this as the perfect Santa red, as the name suggests this does have some glitter in it, but it is fine and smooth. I love glitter but hate feeling like I have sand paper at the end of my nails.

I have never tried anything from the brand before but was impressed with this. I used two coats with my normal base and top coat, although I think you could get away with one. It was easy to apply with no streaks and dried quickly. It did chip but I don't think anything lasts long on Christmas day, well not what I am like with opening presents, and chocolates anyway.

I would definitely like to try out more from the brand but never seen them stocked anywhere. Does anyone know any UK stores that stock the brand?

The full size 18ml is available for £10.25 from graftonsbeauty.co.uk.

What polish did you rock for the big day?

Thursday 26 December 2013

What I got for Christmas - Stocking Edition 2013

Last year I shared what I got in my stocking, and you can read that post here. I thought I would share again, as I love seeing what everyone else got. Like last year I was lucky enough to get two stockings, one from my mum and one of my boyfriend. I must say that my boyfriend did a great job with my stocking, as he wrapped everything individually but also kept the original packaging so I could get some good photos.
In my boyfriends stocking there was the contents of Soap & Glory Bright and Bubbly which includes The Scrub of Your Life, Hand Food, The Righteous Butter, Clean on Me and a shower puff. I love Soap and Glory and don't think you can go wrong with a set for someone at Christmas.
He also gave me the Clarins All About Lips Collection which includes Rouge Eclat Satin Finish Age-Defying Lipstick in shade 13 Woodrose, Colour Quench Lip Balm, Instant Light Lip Perfector and some Gloss. I was over the moon to get this as I have wanted to try the Lip Perfector for ages. The packaging on the lipstick is also gorgeous, I think it might be the prettiest lipstick I own.
Lastly from my boyfriend was the Essie Winter 2013 Collection, which includes three mini bottles of Shearling Darling, Parka Perfect and Toggle to the Top. I actually nearly bought this for myself the weekend before Christmas, I guess it just proves that my boyfriend knows what I like.

I think he did a great job with my stocking and I really appreciated that he wrapped every single product individually. He also put loads of chocolate coins in it. Maybe next year I better do him a better stocking although he seemed to like his, which had a few golf bits and bobs, chocolate, sweets and some of his favourite cider in it.
My mum got me a set from Sugarlips including Strawberry Shortcake Lip Scrub and Forest Fruits Lip Balm. I will be interested to see how this compares to the Lush Lip Scrub as I must say I am not a huge fan of that. Lip Balm however is a product that you just can't have enough of.
I also got this Bath Fizzer my mum knows I love nothing more then a hot bath to chill me out so look forward to trying this one out.
I also got a festive shower gel which I seem to get every year, I don't think I used up the one I got last year so must try harder this year.
One of the cutest gifts I got was this gorgeous mini nail file for Cancer Research UK which is a charity close to my heart at the moment. I have recently had a much loved family member diagnosed with terminal cancer and like many have lost loved ones to cancer.
I also got a shower comb and hairband which will come in very handy. Due to a very rough couple of weeks my poor skin and hair have been very neglected so I will definitely be using these bad boys.
Lastly I got a Chanel nail polish in shade 503 Inattendu and who doesn't love a bit of Chanel for Christmas.

Does anyone else 28 still get a stocking?