The Best Top Coat Clear Shiny Nail Varnish Ever!

I have been searching for years to find the best clear nail varnish and have tried so many. Some peel off, chip, aren't shiny enough, have horrible brushes, are cheap, expensive and the list goes on.

I came to the conclusion it is bloody difficult to find a good one, are you with me girls?

So when I happened across this one I had to share it!

First of all the price of this is very good. I paid £2.99 from Boots which I think is an absolute bargain.

Collection 2000 Lasting Nail Colour

The reason I chose to try this particular clear polish was because of the shape of the brush. Notice it is a rectangle shape rather than the norm which is narrower at the top end then tapers out.  I find the shape of this brush so much easier to use it really makes a huge difference to application.

See below on the left is the Collection 2000 brush and the right is an OPI nail polish brush. Notice the tapered top of the OPI brush.

I find I get a much more even and far easier application with the Collection 2000 brush.
 

The next thing I look for in a good clear polish is the shininess. Of course you need a nice shine but nothing too OTT (Over The Top) I still want it to look fairly natural. 

This polish delivers very well. See below for before and after. This is one coat.

Au Natural Before Left | After Right

You can see below how it fairs as a top coat polish. It makes the nail look a lot shinier. One coat of each polish.
 

With Polish Before Left | After Right

Another good point to note is that it doesn't peel. Over all I love this polish. Hence why I have added it to my 'Must Have' list. It really is the best clear top coat nail varnish I have ever found and it is cheap! Bonus!

Has anyone else got a secret top coat polish they love?

 

Goodbye Caviar and Velvet Nails Hello Feather Manicure!!

So last year I fell a little bit in love with caviar manicures. They looked so new and different.

The Velvet manicure is still fairly new but there is already another manicure trend brewing for 2013...

The Feather Manicure!!

photo curtesy of www.dailybeautyreviews.com

Nails Inc Feather Manicure

These come in Edinburgh Feathers, Chester Feathers, Cornwall Feathers, York Feathers.

They give a 3D effect by using small peices of confetti (feather) like pieces in different colours.

What do you think? Will you be trying it?

REVIEW - Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment

This is a great little product used by many make up artists and celebrities to keep their skin and especially lips looking healthy and glowing... The secret to smooth kissable lips? Yes!!

You can use it on dry, cracked or irritated skin. Especially if you have small dry patches, put some of this on at night or after your moisturiser, under your make up and the make up wont cake and crack over the dry skin.

It doesn't have a scent and is a little bit like the consistency of vaseline but creamier and smoother.

I use it on my lips as it is the best thing for dry and chapped lips especially in the winter.  I also use it on my hands if they are particularly dry and it keeps them moisturised all day.

I have very sensitive skin and this has never irritated it at all. 

It used to only be available for sale in the USA but now you can buy it at Boots in the UK!!!

http://www.boots.com/en/Eucerin-Aquaphor-Soothing-Skin-Balm-40ml_1235541/

£8.50 for 40ml sounds very expensive but it lasts for absolutely ages. I have had this bottle for over a year and there is still about 20% left.

Has anyone else discovered a great product for dry or cracked lips or skin?

REVIEW Miller Harris Coeur De Fleur Perfume

Hi all, I thought I would do a review of my favourite perfume at the moment...

Miller Harris coeur de fleur 50ml £62

I have the 50ml bottle and is a great size and shape. Perfect for travelling and putting in your handbag.  I love the design embossed on the bottle of lovely flowers.  The lid fits over the spray very well and doesn't come off so you don't need to worry about it spraying out in your bag.

It is a traditional floral scent. Not too sweet and quite calming. The scent on your body smells quite different to when you smell it out the bottle. It becomes more interesting and you can smell a slight musk scent.

Miller Harris is a London Perfumer. I suppose you could compare the brand to Joan Malone when she first started. 

From the Miller Harris website:

Lyn Harris has been working in the fragrance industry for more than twenty years and founded Miller Harris in 2000. She spent five years training in France at one of the highly

prestigious schools of the perfume elite in Paris and then Robertet in Grasse. Lyn’s signature style is defined by her love of naturals and her precision in using them is prevalent in all her creations. Whilst respecting tradition, Lyn strives to push the boundaries, creating fragrances that are innovative yet timeless.

You can also create bespoke Scents at Miller Harris for a more personal touch. A perfect Valentine's gift for a special girfriend, wife or fiancé. 

Miller Harris also have a fantastic selection of candles and bath & body products which also smell divine.

Miller Harris stockists include Harrods, Liberty's, Space NK, John Lewis or you can buy online at www.millerharris.com

What is you favourite perfume?

MY TOP 5 MUST HAVE FASHION PIECES THIS SEASON (A/W 2012)

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The Autumn/Winter season is here!!!! My favourite time of year. The colours, the chill setting in, dark nights and it means Christmas is just around the corner!

Beautiful Autumn colours

So as we all know along with a new season comes a whole load of new fashion trends!! Hard to keep up, I know.

But not to worry, I have put together a list of the things you really must have. Which also happen to be my favourite trends of the season (so far) :-)

1. Skinny Sparkly/Coated Jeans

I can't tell you how much I am in love with sparkly and coated/wax jeans. They are so glamorous. Wear them during the day with biker boots and a plain tee and dress them up in the evening with some stilettos.  Amazing!!

2. Burgundy... Everything!

It is official, burgundy is the colour to be seen in this Autumn/Winter.  Everything from bags to tights. I love it because its warm deep tone reminds me of the trees and fallen leaves at this time of year. And it looks fab with my other favourite Autumn/Winter colours. (creams, vintage greens, golden yellows, muted browns)

Skull & Heart print snood £12 @ASOS | Belt £9 @ASOS | Burgundy Tights £6 @ASOS

Elizabeth & James Cardigan £405 @Net-a-Porter | Penfield Jacket £140 @Selfridges | Louis Vuitton Alma GM in Rouge Fauviste £1,420

3. Fur Gilet
Something practical, gorgeous, stylish, chic and keeps you warm. Even better you can continue to wear your summer jackets and slip a gilet over the top... perfecto! And for those of you who aren't in to fur there are plenty of faux fur options all over from Anna Sui to Topshop.

4. Dark Nails

For those of you who, like me, love a manicure you will know how much the must have nail colours change through the seasons just like fashion. Sooo make sure you get yourself a deep and dark mani. Purples, bordeaux's, blues, olives. Gorgeous!

5. Colour Pop

With all the dark colours being worn. It can make you feel and look really depressing (Imo). A lot of people head straight for black when the nights draw in. But just because it is dark outside doesn't mean you have to feel and look dark and dull. 

Add one of the seasons most fun trends to your look and bring some colour back in to your wardrobe. Everyone is doing it... the colour pop!! 

Lots of love A xxx

SOLD OUT - Topshop Vectra3 Studded Loafers Shoes

After much trying I've managed to get hold of Topshop's most wanted item of the season...

Vectra3 Studded Loafers!!!

As seen on Smiley Miley Cyrus :-)

I have three pairs available in sizes UK 5, 6 and 8 - Grab them while you can, I have added the links below!!!

I can see why they are in total demand. They look amazing and are super comfortable too!

Click the links below to purchase and make your friends green with envy!

VECTRA STUDDED LOAFERS UK 5

VECTRA STUDDED LOAFERS UK 6

VECTRA STUDDED LOAFERS UK 9

MUST HAVE - SPRING FASHION - What you need to know - Pastels

Pastel colours are my absolute favourite right now. I can't get enough of a powder pink skinny jean or a melted yellow t-shirt.  They look amazing on a sunny day and definitely brighten my mood.

There are so many to choose from at the moment so I have put together some of my favourites which are out right now...

From Left to Right: Asos textured crop top £12 | Melissa Crystal Wedge Sandals £75 | Jordan Jeans by Motel in Candy Stripe @ Topshop £48 | Lace Corset Crop top Topshop £22 | New Look Crop Tie Front T-shirt £12.99

The Candy Stripe jeans are amazing!!! Although they don't look as skinny on the Topshop website so I will have to hunt them down and try them on myself.  The back on the textured crop top from asos is so lovely. It would look great over a bikini.

Elizabeth & James have an absolutely amazing Spring 2012 collection. They are a little pricey but my they are gorgeous!! Just look at these shorts... LOVE...

Elizabeth and James

From left to right: Elizabeth & James Floral Owen Top £240 @ Donna Ida |  Illamasqua Nail varnish in Nudge £13.50 @ Debenhams | Elizabeth & James Twill Shorts £165 @ net-a-porter | Rag & Bone Goatez print Jeans £210 @ Selfridges |  J Maskrey for Melissa Ultragirl Crystal Ballet pumps £250 @ FloandJoe | Elizabeth & James Floral Bruce Jacket £264

And don't forget your pastel nail varnish. There are so many shades around I could do a whole blog on them. I adore pastel nails... Here are a few of my faves...

Illamasqua in NUDGE

Models Own in PASTEL PINK

Opi MOD ABOUT YOU

Opi RUMPLES WIGGIN'

Max Factor Mini PRETTY IN PINK

MUST HAVE - Ash Bowie Wedge Light Brown Hi Top Trainer

OH my god, what can I say? These boots are amazing!! I tried them on yesterday in Topshop and I am in love. They are so comfortable, great fitting and look so cute with skinny jeans.

I like the 'Clay' and the 'Light Brown' colours best. Warm, neutral colours are what I mostly wear everyday so these are perfect.

Here is what ASH says about these boots:
Ash Bowie low wedges are the ultimate Sport-Luxe trainer top of the fashion hit list! Taking inspiration from the boxing ring, Bowie is a super cool, futuristic high top trainer.  Ash Bowie low wedge trainers comprise of a 100% sumptuously soft suede & canvas upper with a 100% leather inner sole and lightweight rubber outer sole.  Ash Bowie wedges are a secret weapon for any fashionista looking for comfort and style. The patchwork suede and canvas panels have been intricately stitched. The colour nocciola is a pale brown.

Jacquie Ainsley wearing Ash Bowie Wedges in this weeks Grazia Magazine

They are out of stock on the Ash website and pretty much everywhere else online until May. But you can find them at Anna Online | ASOS and they have them in store at Topshop, Selfridges and Office.

See my other posts about Where to buy and What to Wear them with!!

I do think £149 is too much to pay for these but you can get them on ebay for a bit less, if you can find the right size. At the moment they have plenty of auctions for size UK 5, when I find a size 6 I will be snapping them up.

See my Posts
 WHERE TO BUY - Ash Bowie Wedge Trainers
and
WHAT TO WEAR - Ash Bowie Wedge Trainers