Barry M - New Nail Care Range

When I think of Barry M, I reminisce of nights out, glitter tips, and super cool colours. They are an amazing brand who always seem to have their finger on the pulse when it comes to new nail trends and colours. 

For someone like me, who rarely buys high street makeup, I do own many Barry M nail polishes because they have such a huge selection of colours and the quality is really is great. 

Have you ever tried to remove a glitter tip? It's an absolute nightmare. It takes me at least an hour per nail and I'm sure a bottle of nail polish remover per hand. Okay, slight exaggeration, but stubborn nail colour and embellishments are a b**tch to remove. Barry M are totally guilty of this, and have decided to look after their fans by creating a nail care range. I like to call it rehab for nail polish addicts.

Fear not Nail Junkies, these products are so great, no one will even know your nails are in therapy. There are four products which make your nails healthy in no time, as well as making them look good in the meantime. 

SUPER MANI

The Super Mani 7-in-1 Treatment is a twice a weekly basecoat and treatment which offers 7 benefits: hydrating and protecting enamel for healthy, nourished nails.  It does the following - 

1. Encourages Growth

2. Strengthens with Keratin

3. Nourihes with Argan Oil

4. Promotes Shine

5. Hydrates with Vitamin E

6. Smooths the nail surface

7. Protects from breaking

IRON MANI

The Iron Mani is the ultimate nail hardner.  Its the new Barry M Superhero, here to protect you and save you from the world.  This toughens up your nails and the treatment works to strengthen, smooth, and protect nails from breakage.

MANI MASK

 

The mini masks not only care and condition nails, they camoflauge and colour them in too. Available two subtle colours, Bashful ( light baby pink) and Birthday Suit (creamy nude) which set as a semi matt finish, no one will know your nails are in therapy.  

I had my nails done at the launch and wasn't so convinced by them because I had just taken off my beautiful nail colour and had to walk around with Matt natural nails. Since then, I have convinced myself that I need a detox including my nails and have been using the treatment all week. It's too early to let you know if the treatment works but I will keep you posted. I do absolutely love my nails in the Birthday Suit colour. First I use Super Mani as a base coat which comes on easily, doesn't run and dries quickly. The camouflage conditioning treatment does the same but it's quite thick so drying time takes a little longer. The Matt finishing is a really nice touch and make the colour look more edgy and luxurious than a shiny finish. They look expensive. 

Add these to your New Year detox list! 

Available from Boots and Superdrug on 20th January

£3.99

New CHANEL Les Beiges - Healthy Glow Fluid Foundation

Natural, luminous skin is one of the most difficult makeup looks to achieve. Unless you are blessed with supermodel skin or a goddesslike inner glow, you have to create this look through makeup. Basically, fake it... or at least enhance your natural beauty with a little help. Therefore the products according to your skin type and colour, application, and amount of product used can all affect the outcome of your 'natural beauty'. Less is always more, but sometimes your skin does need enough makeup on to make you feel confident and comfortable within your own skin.

I have discovered a new Healthy Glow Fluid foundation by Chanel called Les Beiges which enhances your natural skin, making it look, well, healthy and glowing - exactly what it says on the tin. I've been wearing it for a week now and it's seriously so incredible, it's pretty much perfect skin in a bottle!

The new Les Beiges Foundation follows on from the now iconic Healthy Glow Sheer Powder from Chanel which uses similar technology to enhance skins complexion. Chanel labatories studied the particular characteristics which make the skin glow naturally when creating this foundation as they wanted it to mimic perfect skin. Les Beiges Fluid Foundation contains Titanium Dioxide which absorbs light rays to refelect their white component, and transmit their red component through skin for reflection on the skins surface, resulting in a fresh and slightly rosy halo. This very unique mineral pigment is joined by carefully selected soft focus powders to even out and embellish the complexion with a sheer finish. The complexion is simply enhanced with the most natural and sophisticated radiance that is subtle yet powerful.

What I noticed about my foundation when I tested it out on my sisters was that the same colour adapted to different skin tones. We are all the same tone, however I have one sister who is darker than me, and another who is much fairer. The foundation in 50, looked great on them both as it blended well, but but also enhanced their natural skin tone. Les Beiges comes in 14 different shades which can be customised and developed depending on the amount applied. You only need one pump, but if you do apply two, it doesn't look cakey as it blends into skin as easy as a moisturiser. It also contains SPF25 which protects you from sun damage, as well as acting like an anti age product.

The bottle is a small frosted glass bottle which is compact and light enough to fit into a makeup bag. As I mentioned earlier, you only need one pump for the entire face, so for someone like me who normally is a two pump girl, this is a miracle. A little amount goes a really long way.

The consistency is really thick and creamy, so its quite shocking how quickly it absorbs into the skin leaving a really weightless finish which is sheer, yet has full coverage, like second skin. The fluid itself smells amazing and it glides effortlessley over every curve of the face to enhance it's shape. I feel like the light reflecting qualities almost sculpt the face too, the same way as a highlighter or a strobing effect would. You still need to apply blusher, but I've notice I use less now. The application requires minimal effort as you apply it with your fingers, so there is no need for brushes or sponges.  Its super fast to use, and doesn't require a primer because the finish is matt and skin feels like velvet. It does however, remain dewy and radiant.

Its fascinating how may different and apposing things this foundation is doing all at once. I have never used anything like it and wasn't looking for a new foundation, but I have been converted. Also, if you're a chanel fan like me, it compliments the other products really well too, my eyeshadow, lipstick and blusher all seemed to blend in better and sit on the skin easier, and longer thoughout the day.

I would highly recommend this foundation to everyone.  I have never used anything like it. Its genius - luxurious, practical, anti ageing, has a high coverage, it's sheer with a radiant and natural finish. Did I mention, it lasts all day too, even after the gym. Bring on January!

£36.00

Available from Chanel 15th January 2016

NEXXUS Haircare

THE POWER OF PROTEIN

If you're a fan of bounce balls and being 'lean in 15', you're a fan of protein.  Its everywhere - all over Instagram, and pretty much every healthy food label in the supermarket.  Out with gluten and sugar, and in with protein. I wouldn't be surprised if its one of the 'coolest' and overused words on social media right now.

So protein posse, did you know it's good for your hair too?  I have discovered a cult US brand called NEXXUS which uses 100 per cent Elastin Protein and Marine Collagen which brings life back to hair.  It has to be amazing, as it is founded by Jheri Redding, who in 1930 changed the haircare game forever by creating the modern day conditioner we all use today.  We have a lot to be thankful for, and to me, he is basically God.

I have been using the Emergencee Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave in Creme, and Restoring Masque for a week now and I can already see and feel the difference compared to the last brand I was using.  It feels like an expesive product because when I wash and condition my hair, it feels super thick and spongy in the shower, as if its full of moisture.  The kind of feeling you get when you have your hair washed at the salon.  It smells great and I only need to use a small amount which is very handy because its not cheap.  The leave in creme is weightless and helps to untangle my hair, however, it doesnt feel as moisturising as an oil or serum, so I do need to add additional products.  I used the mask today after shampooing which was left on for 3-5 minutes and then rinsed off.  The masque is a concentrated formula which reinforces the inner fibre and structure of the hair to strengthen and reduce breakage.  It made my hair look soft, shiny, weightless and glossy which is amazing. I even managed to easily get my tangle teezer through my hair, which is kind of a miracle. Also the benefit of a treatment mask that it only needs 3-5 minutes application means it's perfect to use during the week before work. I usually use hair treatments on the weekends, when I have 20 minutes spare to sit in the shower, but too be honest, I find that incredibly boring too. This is fast and so effective - I'm feeling like the power of protein is subtle, yet strong.

If you log on their website, you are able to answer a quick questionnaire for a full diagnosis (above).  Nexxus has a tailor made method to customise each product to your needs.  Choose from the different ranges, Nutritive, Oil Infinite, and Youth Renewal.

Available Online and from Selfridges

Prices Start from £14.00

By Terry Light Expert Click Brush

Are you guilty of applying your makeup on the tube, touching up at a dinner table, or secretly behind your date's back?  I avoid these situations because, 'I wake up like this' of course, and I'm not human...

Okay so I do it too, especially when I'm running out of the office to a meeting, or to a party.  It's classic behaviour. I'm always late for a party, and always retouching my makeup on the go, pulling out my brushes, foundation, and powder, for the world to see how the magic happens.  Its embarrassing.  Now, a new product, brought to you by the woman who created Touche Eclat by YSL, eliminates all the humiliation of your public display. Well, it at least makes it look easier and faster.  The new light expert click brush from By Terry is a brush and foundation in one, combining a anti-imperfection formula, a futuristic ergonamical and effective applicator to sculpt the face quickly and easily.

I personally was not going to review this product because they dont make one in my skin tone, but I hear from a friend that its amazing so I have to share my news.  All you need to do is click to release the product onto the brush and swipe over the skin to transform you from flawed to flawless in seconds.

Therefore, this is a public plea to By Terry to make foundation for darker skin. Please?

Available from Space NK

£48

Perricone MD - No Foundation Foundation

We are lead to believe that you need to cover tired, aged, and wrinkled skin with with as much makeup as possible.  However, too much foundation, powder, and also contouring really does age you, no matter how old you are. The key to youthful looking and healthy, glowing skin, is a good diet and also a regimented skincare routine.

Makeup artists are constantly championing clean makeup that looks like second skin.  Im obsessed with flawless looking radiant skin that looks natural, but unless you're gifted with good genes, have regular facials, eat a truckload of superfoods per week, and get enough sleep, its almost impossible to achieve. For this reason, I actually wear less makeup now than I did in my 20s, and I think it does make me look younger and healthier. On the other hand, if you know me, you know I do love looking polished and my makeup is rarely out of place. 

So, when I first heard about the No Foundation Foundation, that creates flawless skin by unleashing the beauty from within, I thanked god... well Dr Perricone.

No Foundtion Foundation is a translucent foundation which has been scientifically formulated with Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitain C Ester to create a dewy, glowy coverage to skin that feels and looks like second skin.  You have probably heard about it, as its one of those cult products you're terrified of trying, because it's expensive, and because it sounds too good to be true. 

No Foundation Foundation now comes in two shades, light and dark which once applied, instantly diffuses imperfections, corrects skin undertones, and minimises the apperance of fine lines and pores over time.  It also provied a non chemical and mineral based SPF 30 which is great for the summer when you want to wear less foundation....  But as summer is an eternity away, you can use it now as an anti ageing formula all year round.  

As a devotee to foundation, I was so curious to try this product out. It could be totally revolutionary and change my life forever. I mean a non foundation, foundation that brings out the beauty within like a real life Instagram filter has got be the best makeup product of all time right? 

The packaging is cute and the bottle is small, but it does go a long way.  All you need is to do is shake bottle, dispense 3 drops on the palm of your hand, dot onto forehead, chin and cheeks, and then press in and finally blend to the desired finish. Add more if you wish, and use with a primer like I did, but too be honest, you really don't need one. 

As I mentioned earlier, I like my skin looking flawless so this has been a product I have been using on days where I don't need makeup... The days I don't really go out and see anyone.. You know, a quick trip to the supermarket or the gym.  

Yesterday, I used it instead of my foundation and the results were incredible. The three drops really did go a long way, and it miraculously covered my skin. I did feel super paranoid on my way to work because my skin felt naked, the feeling I only get when wearing no makeup. 

As soon as I got into the office I asked my colleagues what they thought and they said that they preferred it to my usual look and that my skin was glowing. I hadn't looked in the mirror, hating the way my skin felt and was astonished by how great it looked. It looked glowy and perfect but also velvety and smooth. The kind of look you get from a mattifying and smoothing primer. As you an see from the pic below that it looks radiant and natural. 

I can see a few lines and uneven skin tone but No Foundation Foundation would change this over time. After lunch my skin started to flag and I needed to reapply but I would do that with makeup anyway. It really has me converted. I wouldn't normally use it alone like yesterday, I would now mix it with a drop of foundation and then maybe over time, ditch the foundation altogether. I guess it's all about how confident you feel about your own skin. 

I would highly recommend this to people who use BB and CC cream as its so much better. There's also makeup in the collection too, review coming soon...

Available from Selfridges

£45 

A few ingrediets - 

Alpha Lipoic Acid - A powerful antioxident to minimise pores, fine lines and and imperfections.  Its part of an anti age or acne treatment patented by Dr Perricone.

DMAE - A powerful anti inflamatory which is critical to the contracting and tightrning of muscles helps with skin elaciticy 

Titanium Dioxide - A mineral based sunscrean

Vitamin C Ester - Idel therapy for sun damaged skin.  Minimises discolouartion and firms and brightens skin.

SPRAY IT - Nails Inc launch world first spray on polish

Painting your nails and then watching them dry is like watching, well, piant dry.... 

I normally do mine, three times a week, before bed, and then sleep like a Geisha - with my arms and hands stretched out so they dont get damaged before morning,  It's an art I have perfected over the years, and it works.  I don't have time, or the money for regular salon manicures, but even when I do, I find it incredibly boring, and manage to get at least one scratch on my newly painted nails.

If you're impatient like me, you will love the spray on polish from Nails Inc.  This innovative new product, which is the first of its kind applies polish effeciently and evenly to the nails in seconds.  All you do is apply the base coat, and spray onto fingertips.  Its as easy as that.  The polish then adheres to the basecoat, resulting in the world's fastest mainure! 

Don't forget to wash your hands of course, with water or facewipes.  

It really is that easy.

 Hoxton Square (hot neon pink) and Shoreditch Lane (silver foil) are available 12th November from Nails Inc

£10

BTW... If you haven't already noticed, the campign is fronted by Alexa Chung, so I would definietly reccomend pre ordering because they will sell out super fast.

Review coming soon....

NARS x Steven Klein Pop Up Shop opens today...

Fashion, Photography, Power, Play

The day is finally here.  NARS have opened thier first, and only, pop up shop in London. 

The four day pop up running from 3-6th November, is a celebration of the brands highly anticipated collection with photographer Steven Klein. 

If you're not familiar with Steven Klein, you definitely would have seen his work. He is basically a legend, and one of the most iconic fashion photographers in the world. A visionary, whose provocative work defies the rules of photography, and pushes boundaries to elicit reaction. His work is frequently seen on campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Akexander McQueen, and graced the pages of Vogue, i-D, Numero. As a visionary and pioneer, it would only be fitting that he has worked with music innovators Madonna, Lady Gaga and Kanye West. 

The collection (below) is inspired by the dark side of glamour - it's eerie, seductive, and rule breaking. The makeup collection is all based on existing images by the photographer, which captures the essence of the vision that both Francois Nars and Steven Klein share. It's a powerful, and exquisite, collection, featuring strong campaign images (shot by Klein) to represent a fantasy played by extremes. Team this with with design legend Fabien Baron, and you're onto a winner. 

There are 23 pieces in the collection of Killer Shine lipsticks (£20) and lipglosses (£19), in intense colours from dark to nudes, which are super creamy. Glittering eye shadows (£18), metallic nail polishes (£15), and the highly pigmented Dual Intensity Blusher (£30). The palettes and gift collections are insane! The cheek palette (£45) and eyeshadow palettes (£35) are also incredible. There are a number of lipstick sets but my favourite has to be the Abnormal Lip Pencil Coffret (£45). 

It's all amazing and I want it all. The packaging is fun, sexy, naughty, and weired. It's perfect for Christmas. I already have a wish list from all of my sisters. 

The pop up shop will host a number of in store activities and consultations with leading makeup experts. For a full line-up of events and activities visit the NARS website.

The pop up shop runs from 3rd - 6th November 2015

Opening hours  - 10am – 5pm each day except for Friday, where the store is open from 10am – 8pm

Address - 15 Bateman Street, London, W1D 3AQ

If you can't make it to the pop up and would like to buy the collection, visit NARS and buy it in Selfridges