Archive for the ‘Nails’ Category
Last night I attended a nail art masterclass courtesy of Maybelline New York. Now if I can achieve a manicure without painting my knuckles, that’s a big accomplishment for me so to take things to the next level with nail art was pushing the boat out, particularly when Leanne of Do Not Refreeze put me to shame with her fantastic skills.
But nail art is something I’ve been curious about for ages and here was my chance to find out how to do clever things like ombre nails or a leopard design with the guidance of expert nail artist Michelle Humphrey.
Nail artist Michelle Humphrey
There was a spectrum of shades from Maybelline’s Color Show range at our fingertips to do three individual designs – a kiss, flowers and an ombre effect with a leopard design. Seriously it looked like hard work but there was deep concentration all around the room once Michelle got started.
I’ve realised a few things you need to be prepared for when doing nail art – you need a steady work surface (the arm of your sofa really isn’t a good idea), ample time and patience! The beauty with nail art is you can cover up mistakes easily and unless you’re anally retentive, it doesn’t have to be perfect. (I’m sorry for using the word ‘anal’ in a beauty post, Maybelline – first time too, won’t happen again…)
Leanne’s a pro!
I was surprised you don’t need a great number of fiddly tools either. We had one fine brush and a eyeshadow sponge applicator. For the leopard design 4 shades ranging from yellow to turquoise blue were simply dabbed on and then the edging blended with the sponge applicator, and for the flowers and kiss design, the nail polish was painted on with the brush.
An hour and half later, here is the mess I made…
Not bad although I was convinced at the start this would end in tears. Bear in mind I only practised on my left hand so I don’t know how I will fair with my right but any fears I had about nail art has been dispelled after this session with Michelle and I feel more confident and inspired to do more. What do you think? If you’ve never tried nail art, are you tempted to give it a try now?
For more on Maybelline New York’s Color Show collection, visit www.maybelline.co.uk or you can buy them from Boots – they’re only £2.99 each. Such vibrant colours and so versatile for simple manicures to intense nail trends.
You can also watch how to do nail art designs with Color Show and Michelle Humphrey on their YouTube channel.
I know spring officially began on 20th March but it’s only in the last week or so we are finally seeing signs of the season bursting through. I’ve also taken the roof down of the car approximately 10 times and this means a lot to me!
There is no doubt that the appearance of the sun puts us all in a good mood. It also means bright colours look amazing so as I pack away my winter wardrobe and bring out the spring/summer collection, I am also looking at bringing my make-up bang up to season and GOSH has some wonderful new nail colours.
There are six new special edition Spring shades available and here are three of them: Venus, Tropicana and Tilted Blue.
Venus
Tropicana
Tilted Blue
Thick and glossy, the formula is effortless to work with and dries quickly to an impeccable finish in a couple of coats. I’m hard pushed to pick a favourite as I like all three.
These special edition polishes from GOSH cost £4.99 and are available to buy online at Superdrug or in store.
*PR samples
That’s how the song goes…here’s hoping I haven’t jinxed things with any imminent showers. Any way!
Today I want to share two nail polishes from Illamasqua. First up is Raindrops, a sheer light grey polish with a jelly finish. It dries to a beautiful smooth finish and has fine white irridiscent specks.
There is also a pink version, a cool light pink. Interestingly I only needed two coats of Pink Raindrops whereas for total opacity with Raindrops it was 3-4 coats as that one is very sheer.
They are very soft, dainty shades – completely off track from the unconventionality of Illamasqua but cleverly executed and a tempting invitation to lure those normally afraid to try this outspoken brand.
Raindrops and Pink Raindrops are available from www.illamasqua.com priced at £13.50. There is free delivery on all UK orders too!
*PR samples
Are holographic polishes yesterday’s news? I hope not. You see, Boots’ 17 has one to contend with the others and unlike Make-Up Store (and possibly GOSH to a certain extent), this doesn’t need a special base coat for the holographic finishing to show up in all its glory. Granted the comparison is not identical, but it ain’t a bad alternative and it’s only £3.99.
*PR sample
