Christmas Nail Art In 3 Steps

Nail art can be tricky, very tricky. The best way to tackle it is just to keep it simple. As Blogmas nears an end I thought I'd better throw in one last Christmas themed beauty post as well..

Step 1 - Paint the base coat of your choice. I used Rimmel Lasting Finish Nail Polish in Pear Drop. Which is a lovely green pearl-like finish shade. I used two thin coats for best results.

Step 2 - Then using a red nail polish paint on a rough triangle shape. For this step I used thin strokes to build up an equal shape using Nails Inc by Kate Spade in Big Apple Red.

Step 3 - Using a white polish draw a thin line at the tip of the nail before spreading it out with random strokes to create a fur-looking effect. Repeat this at the tip of the triangle but in a circle shape.

And there we have Santa's hats for your nails!

Top Tips

• Always use a top coat once dry to ensure it stays together well with no chips
• Apply thin layers so it's quicker dry and less likely to smudge
• Have a flat work surface with good lighting if possible

Have you given nail art a whirl before?

Music Monday: Gig Make-up

If you've ever been to a gig that can get a little lively then you'll know you can kiss goodbye to your make-up lasting. However after several attempts I think I've nailed down a make-up routine that's actually 'gig-proof' - I even put it to the test at Kasabian last week and there was a lot of jumping around involved there. 

• Garnier Perfect Blur Primer
• L'Oreal True Match Foundation
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
• Seventeen Skin Wow Highlighter
• Benefit Benetint
• Avon Eye Primer
• Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Gris Dandy
• Elf Precision Liquid Eyeliner
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
• Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Nude-ist

2013 Favourites Part 1/2 | Make-up

Somewhat a little late on the 2013 favourites posts but I'm spreading mine out in three parts. Today's post being make-up and tomorrow's skincare/haircare. It's only towards the end of the year I've really been trying out higher end make-up so I haven't wanted to include that in my yearly favourites because I find that drugstore products have served me very well for the majority of the year. My make-up brand of the year has to go to Rimmel too!

| EYES |

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Retro Glam Mascara (£6.99) - It's not very often an advert for a new product makes me want to purchase the latest from a brand but it was right up my street this one. 60's band playing, 60's influenced fashion and make-up and a scooter for good measure. The mascara wand is brilliant at creating volume and lengthening my lashes. Become my go-to mascara most definitely. 

Natural Collection Due Eyeshadow in Mink/Sable (£1.99) - One of the biggest bargains you will ever pick up, promise! I love the lighter shade for a base on the whole eye, highlighting the brow bone. Then using the darker of the shades as a base for the lid. I think Natural Collection are often overlooked because of their cheap prices but these eyeshadows are well pigmented and easily build able.

Sleek i-Divine Storm Eyeshadow Palette (£7.99) - I love the mix of matte and shimmer shadows in this palette. I used to massively dislike shimmery shades in the daytime but this has changed my mind. They're incredibly pigmented but so subtle. A little dust excess can form if you don't keep the palette clean but apart from that I have no faults.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner in Black (£10) - I actually hated eyeliner in liquid or kohl form until I discovered this gem. Obviously I'm a sucker for anything Alexa Chung loves too. On a serious note though it's so easy for application with the fine point tip felt pen shape. Creates the most amazing flicks. 

| FACE |

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain (£6.99) -  Before I discovered this beauty I was all about the fullest coverage I could possibly get. I wouldn't say this is a sheer coverage, more like a medium one. What attracted me was the variety of shades available for a drugstore foundation. It's a perfect shade for my pale complexion and I've lost count how many times I've repurchased. 

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil (£15.95) - How did I even cope without this for brightening my eyes after a sleepless night?! I think this product will really get some rave reviews in 2014 because it is amazing. For a pencil it has quite a creamy formula once warmed using the fingers for application. Doesn't crease either, bonus points to you Chella.

Seventeen Skin Wow Highlighter (£5.99) - This can be used as a primer but I'd find it far to shimmery as a full face of it. As a highlighter though I can't get enough of it. It stays in place for hours and I often use it with a little blush which of late has been given me the perfect combination of a winter glow.

| NAILS AND LIPS |

Collection Hot Looks Nail Polish in Milkshake (£1.99) - There hasn't been a particular shade of polish that I have loved this year. I have loved a range though which is the Hot Looks Nails from Collection. Priced at £1.99 they are a bargain even if they are on the smaller side. Despite that they are long lasting, don't take very long to try and most shades only need one coat. Except a review soon with plenty of colours.

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick (£5.49) - Again not a shade I've been loving but a formula. I adore these from Rimmel's collab with Kate Moss. My two favourites have been in shades 19 and 16 for the seasonal transitions mind you. After a few swipes over the lips there is no budging this for hours. 

So there is my make-up favourites for 2013, look out for my other favourites from 2013!

Battle of the: Primers (Drugstore Edition)

Firstly I am so sorry about the lack of posts in the past week but let me tell you why.. I've been busy with work and also MY PLANNING TO BLOG EVERY SINGLE DAY OF DECEMBER. I've been thinking about it for a little while but it's all finally coming together so make sure you are following for posts every single day. If you can handle that much of my ramblings anyway!

So this is a new feature on my blog and the first one is all about primers. I choose three products from my collection and give them a bit of a dance off (Okay not a dance off, a primer off). I want to focus on drugstore as I find it so much more affordable on my budget and primers are a make-up product I've only gotten into the past few months to see if they improve my daily appearance.

Rimmel Match Perfection Fix & Perfect Pro - (£6.99)

First off the most expensive out of the three. It comes out as a white liquid. I find it's got a thin texture to it which makes it runny and using more than I probably should be. It does the job though and is brilliant as it mattifies the face. Packing is pretty basic, even though it's white it's easily cleaned if it gets covered in muck though. 

Collection Primed and Ready Smoothing Make Up - (£5.99)

This was the first face primer I ever tried and what a primer it was to start with. This actually my second tube in 4 months. It lasts for ages and I use it most days! It's a clear jel that comes out and I can tell straight away it's going to smooth my face and leave my make-up looking great all day. The texture of it is a little interesting but after a few uses you get used to it. It's a really spreadable primer due to the texture and glides on with ease.

NYC Cosmetics Primer - (£3.49)

This is my least favourite but it does have it's uses. What puts me off massively is the shimmer to it, so it could work well as a highlighter. It's a white shimmery liquid that blends into the skin. For such a cheap price though it does the job but for me personally everyday use is out of the question. However, with the party season coming up it could be ideal for a glittery make up look!

Swatched! From top to bottom: NYC Cosmetics Primer, Collection Primed & Ready, Rimmel Fix & Perfect.

What's your favourite primer from the drugstore?

Autumn Nail Polish Picks

One thing you will slowly learn about me is that my nail polish collection is some what out of control. I'm not as bad as I used to be for it and I'm quite happy with drugstore polishes. I love deep shades and nudes so Autumn is my favourite time of the year for nail polish. I've tried to link as many as possible but some shades are no longer produced. So here is my favourite nail polishes for Autumn..

Firstly please excuse the window reflection on the nail colour (at least we know which ones are high shine)!

From left to right: | Avon Matte Nail Enamel (£6) - Red Velvet | Barry M Nail Paint (£2.99) - Raspberry | Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish (£2.99) - 195 Perfect Plum | Avon Nailwear Pro (£6) - Night Violet | Natural Collection Nail Colour (£1.89) - Lunar Haze | Nails Inc Limited Edition (£11) - Parsons Green | 

From right to left: | Leighton Denny Polish (£11) - On The Rocks | NYC Nail Colour (£1.79) - Park Ave | Barry M Matte Nail Paint (£3.99) - Vanilla | OPI Nail Lacquer (£11) - Glamour Game | Collecton Hot Looks Nails (£1.99) - Milkshake |

Do you have any favourite shades for Autumn? 

October Favourites

So my first monthly favourites post on my blog! I've finally hunted down my camera after the house move, only my standard digital camera for now as I'm having problems with my DSLR, grr! None the less I've just got the five things this month as I haven't really tried a lot of new things out.

| Rimmel's Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick (£5.49) - Shade 19 |

Swatched! A real subtle shade.

I adore all of the Rimmel lipsticks by Kate Moss. I'm not going to lie the reason I tried them out was not because they are brilliant but just because I love Kate Moss, how naughty of me! Anyway, I really love this shade, I'm not very experimental with colours in my make-up as I am so so so pale. This colour though is a few shades give and take of my actual lip colour without any products on them. It just adds a little something and I've just enjoyed wearing this for a darker lip in autumn. 

| Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner  (£10) - Shade Black |

This actually came free in a magazine recently (I can't remember which one now, sorry!). I already can't wait to repurchase it, how bad is that?! I have never been an eyeliner fan until now. Usually opting for a shadow liner out of an eyeshadow palette or something like that. I find this amazingly easy to use and the nib just glides easily. I've needed a long lasting make-up look this month quite a lot as I've had a few parties and gigs and I needed my make up to last the whole night (maybe even into the morning) and this is what I turned to. I was even more pleased to know Alexa Chung is a fan and she's bringing out her own range for Eyeko this month. I must get my hands on that!

| Barry M Matte Nail Paint (£3.99) - Vanilla |

I'm surprised Barry M hadn't brought this out sooner. I adore the look of matte nail polishes and this is no exception. The only downside is they usually chip after a day and top coat just ruins the effect.  I've been loving this colour though so I can deal with a applying another quick coat. I find it has a slight lilac hint to it. As I mentioned being pale comes with its difficulties and finding a nice nude shade that doesn't ridiculous on me is hard so congrats to Barry M!

| Clinique Facial Soap (£14.50) - Mild |

Now I can't remember the last time I used anything in a bar of soap form until I was recommended this at the Clinque counter. As it gets colder my skin gets drier. I wouldn't say I suffered with terrible dry skin but it does get a little flaky around the t-zone area. The saleswoman said 'mild' would be the one for me and she was right. You are told to use it twice a day, so for me in the morning and evening shower. My skin has been left feeling super soft and keeping any dry areas at bay. I noticed a difference after the first time of use. It also comes with a cute little soap dish as well.

| The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner (£3-£8) |

I had a little haul of The Body Shop last month and picked up a few bits and bobs. One being this toner. Now I've got the cleanser as well but with toner I find it's what leaves me feeling fresh and awake so it's perfect for in the morning. Now what I love about The Body Shop is that you can pick up smaller sizes of products which is perfect for exploring new items. I've nearly used up this toner so I will most definitely be repurchasing the larger bottle. It's left any blemishes at bay as well!

What have been your favourites in the past month?

Also, has anyone got any products they can recommend for reducing redness?